Archive Poster : January 2023
What is your ultimate holiday destination? Dream big, imagine you have no limit on your budget or time. Are you a chalet in the Alps, sitting by a wood fire drinking cognac kind of person? A New Zealand extreme sports adventurer? A culture vulture visiting the galleries of Italy? Or would you prefer a tropical island with massages, snorkeling, and endless feasts? There are so many beautiful places and experiences to be had if you have the money and time for them.
However, if the promises of the Bible are true there is a place even better than you can imagine available to you whatever your financial position or time constraints. This place is beautiful beyond anything you've ever known. Squeeze together all the beautiful places you've seen, all the delicious tastes you've tasted, all the deepest joy and love and sense of belonging you've ever felt, and you get a pale preview of what heaven will be like for those who trust Jesus.
The last book of the Bible, Revelation, is a rather cryptic, confusing, albeit vivid, account of the end of the world, judgement day and the new creation. Many people have fought over various interpretations of Revelation's message. Yet it contains a promise that is crystal clear and profoundly captivating. God's people, all those who have entrusted their lives to Jesus, will be blissfully united with their tender loving God.
"Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Rev 21:3-4
The details of what heaven will be like compared to now, how much it will resemble this world, what will and won't be different, are a bit on the blurry side. However, what is clear is that all that is difficult and painful in this life will not be there. It will be a place filled with God's spotless beauty and God's perfect embracing love. God wants you there with Him, in never ending love and joy. Jesus Christ died to pay for your way there. Will you accept His invitation to this ultimate destination?
Prayer: Dear God, I long for the never ending experience of love and joy and perfection that the Bible describes as being with you in heaven. I accept your invitation. Please forgive me for wrongs and accept Jesus' sacrifice on my behalf. Help me now to live as one destined to be embraced by your perfect love. Amen.
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