When we see Jonathan getting ready for bed we are reminded of how special children are to God. In fact Jesus said that "the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Mark 10:14-15) Jonathan slips from his bed to his dream world. Our heavenly home is where God takes us. "You do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world." (John 15:19) As his sleep begins he sees darkness and then light. This is an analogy of numerous biblical descriptions of how God takes us from sin and into His presence.
One can picture Jonathan rubbing his eyes as he begins to see the race car. He does not have a clear view at first. The apostle Paul says of this world that "now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully." (1 Corinthians 13:12) What is on earth is but a "shadow of what is in heaven." (Hebrews 8:5)
Our little boy was drawn to the light. As Christians, we are too. We do not get there on our own, we are pulled! As Jesus said, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him." (John 6:44) Jonathan saw the car door open and was invited to a great adventure. The apostle John saw "a door standing open in heaven" (Revelation 4:1) from which he was given a glimpse into God's forever kingdom. Jonathan had faith this car could take him places. As believers, we have faith that Jesus can take us to heavenly places too.
Jonathan had great excitement as he jumped into the car. We also will as we spend eternity in heaven. There will be much to do and life will have more purpose than it ever seemed to have. Sitting on a cloud playing a harp is not what God has in store for us. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." (1 Corinthians 2:9) And He "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine." (Ephesians 3:20)
We all have lost things in this life. And such is the case with the lost model race car. But we know that Jesus "came to seek and to save what was lost." (Luke 19:10) And in God's economy, we often end up better off than before we lost something. This was true of the earthly blessings of the Old Testament character, Job. It is also true of our lost condition before God. Not only are we saved, we are given a glorious inheritance in Christ.
No key was needed to start the car. This symbolizes the fact that we have incredible freedom when we belong to God. Why be limited by a key? In the same way we can drink from the water of life "without cost." (Revelation 21:6) Regarding keys, we know that Jesus holds them. (Revelation 1:18)
Jonathan expected a great sound associated with the power of this race car. We expect the same about God. But He sometimes speaks with a "gentle whisper." (1 Kings 19:12) Scripture tells us "how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?" (Job 26:14)
