I was asked recently what kind of thoughts I had about heaven. I don’t mean to disregard a wonder of that magnitude. I guess I do truly look forward to it. I just do not have a very good handle on the whats, where or when of it. As I was mentally bungling about for an answer, I realized (right or wrong) that I mostly just lump all the future (including heaven) into my vision of the kingdom of God which simply put, means that Christ’s reign will be ever expanding in all dimensions (especially in willing hearts) and it will be good because He is extraordinarily willing and wonderfully good.
Dear Friends and Family,
Have you ever known people who, after knowing them more over time, just flat out surprised you? You get a bit closer and you say, “OMG, I totally misjudged or underestimated this person.”? Note; this happens to me all the time anymore when I take the time to stop and listen to other’s stories. I think I am starting to understand that by listening I am not only honoring my friend but I am honoring God who is the author of their story. I believe this is one of the hidden gems of the kingdom – our privilege of discovering the beauty of God in each other from here on out. We often think of our relationships in the categories of horizontal (those with other humans) and vertical (the one with God). Do you think (in light of doing things to the least of these being the same as having done them to Him) it is possible that in fact, there may be no horizontal relationships? That all relationships are in fact vertical in orientation? Truly, we tread on holy ground.
The point I fully intended to make in the preceding paragraph is this; Jesus is like this and we continually discover how much we have underestimated and undervalued Him when we respond (over time) to His invitation to come away with Him.
[She proudly said] I am my beloved’s, and his desire is toward me! [She said] Come, my beloved! Let us go forth into the field, let us lodge in the villages. Let us go out early to the vineyards and see whether the vines have budded, whether the grape blossoms have opened, and whether the pomegranates are in bloom.
I have a collection of words that God seems to be highlighting and connecting with each other that are fashioning themselves into a vision (almost with an energy of their own). The definitions of these words have definitely been fueled by experience but they are all things that began in God’s Word (as best as I can tell) and through His Spirit (in my best assessment) and are checked again by God’s word. (At least that is my intention) Their composition does not form a doctrinal statement or a systematic theology. They are simply the light I am following and the Voice I am attending to. Of course I am trusting they are The Light and The Voice). Forgive me. I am becoming the master of regression here. The point I am trying to make before I make my point is that invitation is one of those words. With passionate and poetic words God extends His invitation afresh to us;
Let us go forth into the field, let us lodge in the villages. Let us go out early to the vineyards and see whether the vines have budded, whether the grape blossoms have opened, and whether the pomegranates are in bloom.
You manly men out there may be protesting now, thinking this language is overtly feminine in its composition and does not apply to the kind of relationship you have with God. Really? Dear brothers in Christ, we need to remind ourselves that whether we are feeling it or not, we are not only members of the army of God but also members of the Bride of Christ. Keep in mind that all forms of love originated in God. We can be both psalmists and swordsmen.
There are things we have seen and experienced on earth that I believe God has left as shadowy clues as to what’s ahead. To identify these things we might ask ourselves; what are the things that have awakened longing in me? Mountain vistas? Raging rivers? Athletic achievement? Brilliant and creative expressions of the arts? The view and imagination of a lover’s shape and caress? HGTV? ( I jest.) I believe this is why God tells us, through Paul, to dwell only on things that are true and pure and worthy of praise. These things are the hints and clues He has left for us in order to sustain, to prod and direct us.
Paul knew. I can tell by his language that He had tasted. God had let him in on the mysterious secret. We often think of the apostles and other fathers in our faith as VIPs of sorts or as special favorites of God’s. They may have different assignments but they are not loved or favored above us. I believe they are simply part of the invitation. God gives some (like Paul) more revelation than most and leaves them as signposts to guide the hungry ones to the Treasure. Treasure equal to (or possibly greater than) that belonging to the signpost-people has been left for those who have not seen yet have believed. Faith is responding to the invitation. My goodness, the question I am trying to get to is; “Just how great is the love of God?” What are its limitations? Here is Paul’s overt contribution to God’s invitation…
I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable —absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us
In this kingdom adventure into which we have been caught up, God invites us to spend time alone with Him; the one whose love has conquered all; who has designed the most intense pleasures of consummation as hint ( a mere hint! ) of the intensity of His passions for us individually and corporately.
Most approaches to discipleship include the idea of time alone with God. I am currently part of the Journey, a program (boy that word seems limp). This experience (yes, “experience” is a better word) is designed to help us respond to God’s invitation to abide in Him; to take the initial steps in response to His invitation to.. go out early…. and see what might be blooming – things that are true, worthy, lovely and worthy of praise. It seems that God just wants to hang out with us. As best as I can tell from scripture and experience, that (Psalm 139-level intimacy) is going on even in spite of us. Whether we are tracking with it or not, the lives of His children are intertwined and inseparable from Him. Abiding is simply our acknowledgement and enjoyment of the mystery. Abiding has far more to do with just receiving something that already exists than it does in building something new. If anything is being built, it is simply our ongoing experience of living confidently and gratefully with what already is.
In Christ, there is a windfall of Life – a treasure so vast that its worth cannot be calculated in any earthly terms. It can only be hinted at, through His Word, in certain clues He has left behind in the glory of nature and in human love (where it is still sacrificial and giving in nature). There will be a consummation one day. Perhaps it will be in heaven. I really do not know. But I am certain our enjoyment of it will only be enhanced by our current responses to His invitations to abide in Him. What an amazing adventure!
Father, May we acknowledge our nakedness before You. We have nothing we can hide from You. Therefore with trembling and anticipation, we willingly give all of ourselves (as best we can) to You. We no longer need to suffer with the ups and downs of who we are because we are simply Yours. May this reality dawn upon our hearts as brightly as a fresh spring day, shedding light on all the beautiful things You have begun and pledge to finish within our hearts. Lord, You are marvelous in every regard. Indeed we love You.