When heaven comes down

The Royal in You

Jordan Raynor
Illustrated by Jonathan D. Voss
WaterBrook, 2024.

In a note to parents at the conclusion of this hopeful book, which explores what the Bible teaches about heaven, author Jordan Raynor writes that when he was a child, he dreaded the thought of heaven because, after all, what would there be to do for a kid who loved to play and paint. However, as an adult, Raynor studied the Bible to learn what it teaches about heaven and discovered truth contrary to his childhood perceptions. “While I used to view heaven with confusion, boredom and fear, today I find myself frequently day-dreaming about heaven and the new earth with biblical clarity, excitement, and hope,” he writes on his website.

With lilting, rhyming text, Raynor’s new book The Royal in You simply and clearly explains for children what he learned – Jesus will bring heaven to earth, make all things new, and will live with people here; heaven will include the works of God’s hands and some of the works of people’s hands; and believers will reign for eternity with Christ by “filling, subduing, and exploring the New Earth.”

Illustrator Jonathan Voss’s energetic artwork pulses with hope and joy, pulling children into Raynor’s poetry: “When heaven comes down, / we’ll all rush to meet Jesus, / bringing paintings, inventions, / and gifts for Him with us. / . . . There will be no more sin, / no more sickness or sadness, / just the best things made perfect, / bringing God and us gladness. / . . . But the best part by far is / King Jesus will be there, / making everything new with / His peace, love, and care. / And now you might think that our story is ending, / but in fact, this is just the beginning. / Because Jesus wants you to rule with Him – / to explore and fill the kingdom of heaven with Him.”

The Royal in You is a celebration of our hope as Christians. It’s an excellent resource to help children understand what the Bible teaches about the new heaven and new earth and eternal life with God.