I was asked recently what I thought about heaven. I didn’t mean to disregard a wonder of that magnitude, and I do truly look forward to it; I just do not have a very good handle on the what, where or when of it. As I was 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 is forever expanding in all dimensions (especially in willing hearts) and it is good because He is willing and extraordinarily good.
Have you ever known people who, after you get to know them, just flat out surprise you? You get a bit closer and you say, “Wow, I totally misjudged or underestimated you”? In my experience, Jesus has proven to be this person as I have responded (over time) to His invitation to come away with Him. (This also happens to me as I take the time to stop and listen to other’s stories. I am starting to understand that by listening, I am not only honoring my friend but 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.)
We often think of our relationships with other humans as horizontal and our relationship with God as vertical. I wonder though; since Jesus said that the things we have done (or haven’t done) to the least of these is the same as having done them to Him, if all relationships are not vertical. Truly, we tread unknowingly on holy ground.
I am my beloved’s and his desire is toward me!
Come, my beloved! Let us go forth into the field,
Let us lodge in the villages. (Song of Solomon 7:10-11)
I have a collection of words that God has been highlighting and connecting; they’ve actually fashioned themselves into a vision with an energy of their own. The definitions of these words have 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). Their composition does not form a doctrinal statement or a systematic theology; they are simply the light I’m following and the voice I’m attending to. I’m trusting (even with my imperfect antennae) that I am being led by The Light and hearing from The Voice. With passionate and poetic expression the Light and Voice collaborate to further extend His kingdom invitation to us;
Let us see whether the vine has budded
And its blossoms have opened,
And whether the pomegranates have bloomed.
There I will give you my love. (Song of Solomon 7:12)
You manly men out there might be protesting now, thinking that this language is overtly feminine 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 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’ve 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 art? A lover’s shape or their caress? HGTV? (I jest.) I believe this is why God tells us, through Paul, to dwell only on things that are true, lovely and worthy of praise. These are the things He’s left to prod, direct and sustain us.
Paul knew. I can tell by his language that he had tasted. God let him in on the mysterious secret. We often think of the apostles and other fathers in our faith as VIPs, or as special favorites of God’s. They may have had exalted 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 their testimonies as signposts to guide the hungry ones to the Treasure.
The question worth pursuing is; Just how great is the love of God? Here is Paul’s answer:
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. (Romans 8:38-39 MSG)
In this kingdom adventure into which we’ve been caught up, God invites us to be with Him—the one Whose love has conquered all, Who has designed the most intense pleasures as hints (mere hints!) of the intensity of His passions for us individually and corporately.
Most approaches to life in Christ include the idea of time alone with God. For example; I was part of The Journey, a discipleship program (boy, does that phrase ever sound gimpy). Let’s instead call The Journey an experience in Christ (yes, “experience” is a better word) which is designed to help us respond to God’s invitation to abide in Him, to take the initial steps in responding to His invitation to go out early…and see what might be blooming—seeking out those things that are true, worthy, lovely and worthy of praise.
It seems that God just wants us to enjoy His nearness. As best I can tell from scripture and experience, that Psalm-139-level intimacy is going on even in spite of us. Whether we are tracking it or not, the lives of His children are intertwined and inseparable from Him. Abiding is simply our acknowledgement and enjoyment of this mystery. Abiding has far more to do with the acknowledgement that something already exists than it does in building something new. If anything is being built, it is simply our ongoing habit of living confidently and gratefully in Christ.
We possess a windfall of Life in Christ—a treasure so vast that its worth cannot be calculated in any earthly coinage. It can only be hinted at—through His Word, in the glory of nature, and in human love (where it is sacrificial and giving). 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! Our hearts can now rehearse, in peace and confidence;
I am my beloved’s, and his desire is toward me!
Father, we have nothing we can hide from You. May we acknowledge our nakedness before 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, for 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’ve begun and have pledged to finish in our hearts. Lord, You are marvelous in all regards. Indeed, we love You. Amen.
You have a way with words expressed in your writing. This post says a lot of what we were talking about today! I will keep reading your blog as I see I am going to enjoy it. God puts people in each others life for reasons. Yours I think is inspiring. Hope you had a great lunch and afternoon with your friends.