I've been up a lot of the night and, for unknown reasons, have been thinking about 'a new heaven and a new earth.' This train of thought has been a blessing, as the thoughts I might conjure up more 'of my own accord' would be anxious ones tonight.
I've never been one to dwell on heaven. I suppose although I accept it as a real place, I find it a bit too fanciful to grasp. I have adopted a 'wait and see' attitude regarding this place. I cannot comprehend a place completely unmarred by sin and unaware of sadness. The entirety of life on earth is polluted with sin, and thus heaven is an opposite, in many ways, of all that I know.
God will reign without advisers...with no board of trustees...with no cabinet. He will run unopposed in every election, and every citizen of His land will love Him: 100% approval ratings! He will be applauded for the grace and mercy He showed to mankind when He sent His son, Jesus, to fulfill His 'no man left behind' policy: extend the offer of salvation to ALL people. His decisions will never be controversial, His 'national guard' (whom we shall call the host of angels) will be occupied with praising Him and not security issues, and because no ruler compares to Him, the citizens in His country call Him 'Holy!'
The roads are paved with gold: sturdier, I hear, than brick, concrete, or asphalt. It is also considerably easier on the eyes and feet. The climate is ideal and the problem of global warming has ceased to exist. Doctors are completely out of work, as are morticians, prison guards, police men, chiropractors, psychologists, and EMS drivers. However, unemployment is at an all-time low (0%) as every citizen is called to worship the LORD God.
It sounds pretty good. No need for Search and Rescue, Kyle. Every student would sing in tune, Mom. Golf courses will be open year round, Dad. Mom Jones, the gardens will boast the most beautiful flowers! Dad Jones, you ought to taste the cookies that will be baked in heaven's bakery! Nick, no one will EVER complain about the quality of their beverage. Nathan, bumps and bruises will be a foggy memory. Nia Madelynn, being small is OK: in this kingdom, the least are greatest.
Rachel, leave your medication at the door...you won't need it. While you're unpacking, dump your anxiety in the trash. Rest. Dream sweet dreams. Take a big sip of joy...take a big bite of serenity. Sing. Smile. Love. Laugh. This is a new kingdom, and you're a citizen. Take off your shoes, because the place where you are standing is holy ground.
Nathan Paul
10/10/2005
Nia Madelynn
08/27/2007
Lottie Caroline
11/03/2008
Liam Calvin
03/25/2010
Nixon Kyle
10/16/2014
2 comments:
This is beautiful, Rachel. I also believe, though, that when Jesus says, "The kingdom of God is within you" -- He means that we need to start Kingdom living right here and now! We need to live like we are already in heaven with Him! That's WHY we can leave our worries behind even while we are right here on this earth. I need to really grasp this as reality, because I know it would change the way I live and think and love people ... right here and now. I've really just recently been challenged to really stretch my thinking on this subject, so I'm going to!
I love how you wrote this Rachel. I love thinking that in heaven my nursing degree is not going to be needed and instead I can just sing along with everyone else. What a great picture you painted.
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