2 Corinthians 5:1-5
For instance, we know that when
these bodies of ours are taken down like tents and folded away, they
will be replaced by resurrection bodies in heaven—God-made, not
handmade—and we’ll never have to relocate our “tents” again. Sometimes
we can hardly wait to move—and so we cry out in frustration. Compared to
what’s coming, living conditions around here seem like a stopover in an
unfurnished shack, and we’re tired of it! We’ve been given a glimpse of
the real thing, our true home, our resurrection bodies! The Spirit of
God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what’s ahead. He puts a
little of heaven in our hearts so that we’ll never settle for less.
Scripture
quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002
by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs,
CO. All rights reserved.
Timothy’s Sunday school
teachers have done an excellent job of teaching him about Heaven…so good
that he has said more than once, “I can’t wait to go there!” I
reminded him that we will go when God is ready for us…but that
meanwhile, we have things to do here - like grow up, go to school, have
families, get jobs and serve others. He agrees with me…but I honestly
do not think this child fears Heaven in the least.
This is
heady stuff for an almost-seven-year-old. But then, this little boy has
experienced more death in the last three years than most children his
age…my grandmother, several pets, and the recent passing of Greg’s
brother, Bruce (who was Timmy’s friend), and my mother – his Granny. He
is truly comforted to picture them in Heaven…as are we.
I like
the thought that God whets our appetite for Heaven by giving us glimpses
of what it will be like…a beautiful sunset…a gorgeous day spent on the
lake or in the woods…the faces of our children…even the striking images
that have appeared this week on Facebook of wall clouds and funnel
clouds as storms moved across our state. A friend shared video today of
his daughter’s hiking trip in Patagonia, and I marveled at the
mountains and glaciers. Greg and I watched a “Smithsonian Channel”
program of aerial footage of some of America’s most beautiful places,
and we were in awe of the spectacular scenery.
Someone does
something kind for us out of the blue, and we are reminded of the
blessings of God. We look at the intricacies of a newborn baby … the
incredible markings of our pet or another animal…or the amazing details
of spring flowers…and we think, “Surely this is a touch of Heaven on
Earth.”
I don’t know about you, but I believe that Heaven is all
that the Bible says it is…and more. I believe that for every beautiful
experience I have on this earth…I will have ten thousand times more when
I get to Heaven. Yes, there are days when I want to “fold up my tent”
and just “get on with it!” But as I told Timothy…God is not ready for
me yet. I have work to do…people to love, service to offer, and sunsets
and beauty of all kinds still to enjoy!
Having some idea of what
lies ahead does make this earthly life sweeter…and I thank God for this
gift – and for all of His blessings. I’m Heaven bound…and that makes
everything better! What about you?
© Debbie Robus
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