Ok- I read (in some cases reread) three or four books about Heaven, and I'm going to share some of my own random musings about the afterlife. Most were inspired, as I mention in the last post, by Randy Alcorn's book Heaven.
The prophet Isaiah said that "of the increase of his government there will be no end." This scripture along with others indicate that we will rule and reign with Christ in the coming age. This speaks to me of satisfying, fulfilling work. I'll finally have the perfect job for me, one that I will never get tired of and will always be excited to do! We won't be lazing around on clouds, playing harps. We will have meaningful work to do on earth and throughout the universe. Yeah, I know I'm obsessed with science fiction, but God did create an entire universe. It's not so far-fetched to believe that His rule will go from planet to planet and galaxy to galaxy, and that we will be the ones to spread His kingdom to the far reaches. Alright, I'll admit it. I want my own planet!
In Revelation John describes the New Jerusalem, a city that stretches 1500 miles in all directions, coming down out of Heaven to the New Earth. John and other prophets speak of nations and tribes bringing their treasures to the heavenly city. Alcorn argues that a city and nations and tribes suggest that culture and civilization will continue in the new age- music, art, athletics and technology. And food. I can't forget about the food! Oh yes, we will eat in Heaven!
Alcorn also believes that we will still be finite beings; we won't instantaneously know everything and be able to do everything perfectly. Thus, learning and achievement will continue as well- and this is what excites me the most.
You know those deep down crazy dreams you have? The ones that seem so silly you don't want to say them out loud? I think that some of those dreams were planted within us by God, only to bloom in the afterlife. I know there are those who believe we can make our dreams a reality in this life. That if we confess and believe and think positive thoughts and do x, y, and z correctly we can make it happen, or God will make it happen for us. Some believe that every promise of God is available to everyone on this earth. And for some maybe that is the case, but I believe that some dreams, some promises will only manifest in the perfect age. God truly is saving the best for last. I've always wanted to be a ballerina. But I was born with flat feet and a turned in leg. I wore a brace to correct my twisted leg, but I will never be a dancer. In Heaven, though, I believe I will be. I really think I will be. And not just magically or instantaneously, but through study and practice.
I've always wanted to be a winner. I've always wanted to develop a skill or talent to the point where I win the top award for that area. My best friend will tell you that I am always watching the Olympics, or a sporting event, or an awards show and shouting, "I want to win an Olympic gold medal! I want to win an NBA title! I want to win an Oscar!" even though I've never played a sport in my life and have never been in a movie. I even want to dot the i in script Ohio (Ohio State alumni are with me)! I just have a deep desire to excel, and I think that in Heaven I will be able to pursue my interests and passions throughout eternity- and it may take me that long to get good at gymnastics.
Reading the Bible and other books about Heaven has given me so much comfort during tough times. I encourage you to do the same. Of course, start with God's Word, the final authority, and in addition to Alcorn's book check out A Divine Revelation of Heaven (Baxter) and Heaven is for Real (Burpo).
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Heaven
I'm one of the many people who secretly harbored the belief that heaven will be boring. I've caught myself a few times thinking, "At least it will be better than hell..." It was a subject I never thought about studying, really.
Then a few years ago I read Randy Alcorn's book Heaven. Oh my, that was a life-changing book. It opened my mind to lines of thought I had never pursued. I encourage everyone to read what's out there on the subject of Heaven- but, as always, weigh it against the word of God.
One of my problems with Heaven was wrapping my mind around the idea of eternity. I used to think that after God wrapped things up in this creation, we would exist in timelessness, in the everlasting NOW. If we don't FEEL time passing, we can't get bored, right? I figured we would simply be in God's presence, experiencing Him. And since he is God, after all, that wouldn't be a bad thing. But if I'm being honest, that idea was kind of hard to get excited about because it is so outside my reference. Yes, there have been tastes, glimpses in church services, in certain prayer or worship times... and being in His presence is so good. When I would think about heaven, thought, I would actually feel a little sad sometimes; I would mourn the loss of some things of this life- taking hikes, eating good food, studying a language, reading a good book, etc.
After reading the book and examining the scripture, I believe I was wrong, and I am now so excited about Heaven! I'm going to reread some of the classic books about Heaven and you will be seeing more posts about this topic. Stay tuned! In the meantime, consider your own beliefs about Heaven... and how they match up with the Bible.
Then a few years ago I read Randy Alcorn's book Heaven. Oh my, that was a life-changing book. It opened my mind to lines of thought I had never pursued. I encourage everyone to read what's out there on the subject of Heaven- but, as always, weigh it against the word of God.
One of my problems with Heaven was wrapping my mind around the idea of eternity. I used to think that after God wrapped things up in this creation, we would exist in timelessness, in the everlasting NOW. If we don't FEEL time passing, we can't get bored, right? I figured we would simply be in God's presence, experiencing Him. And since he is God, after all, that wouldn't be a bad thing. But if I'm being honest, that idea was kind of hard to get excited about because it is so outside my reference. Yes, there have been tastes, glimpses in church services, in certain prayer or worship times... and being in His presence is so good. When I would think about heaven, thought, I would actually feel a little sad sometimes; I would mourn the loss of some things of this life- taking hikes, eating good food, studying a language, reading a good book, etc.
After reading the book and examining the scripture, I believe I was wrong, and I am now so excited about Heaven! I'm going to reread some of the classic books about Heaven and you will be seeing more posts about this topic. Stay tuned! In the meantime, consider your own beliefs about Heaven... and how they match up with the Bible.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
The Beginning
I'm letting the writer inside of me express herself again.
As a child and teenager, I wrote poems and short stories- romance, mysteries, silly rhymes, all kinds of things. In college I majored in English and took several creative writing classes. Then, when I became a high school English teacher and taught creative writing, I made myself do all the assignments I asked my students to do- it seemed only fair.When my fiance broke up with me six weeks before the wedding, I taught myself to play the guitar and started writing songs to help myself work through the pain.
But in the last few years I haven't written very much, even though person after person has told me I should write- including my husband. I stopped seeing myself as a writer.
There is so much in my head- I am introverted, melancholy, and a voracious reader- and I know I need to get it out of there and onto the screen. Maybe then I will sleep better, process my emotions better, and make room in my brain for divine downloads.
These posts will be my musings- pondering, ruminations, thoughts on love, life, God, whatever.
I am excited about this beginning.
As a child and teenager, I wrote poems and short stories- romance, mysteries, silly rhymes, all kinds of things. In college I majored in English and took several creative writing classes. Then, when I became a high school English teacher and taught creative writing, I made myself do all the assignments I asked my students to do- it seemed only fair.When my fiance broke up with me six weeks before the wedding, I taught myself to play the guitar and started writing songs to help myself work through the pain.
But in the last few years I haven't written very much, even though person after person has told me I should write- including my husband. I stopped seeing myself as a writer.
There is so much in my head- I am introverted, melancholy, and a voracious reader- and I know I need to get it out of there and onto the screen. Maybe then I will sleep better, process my emotions better, and make room in my brain for divine downloads.
These posts will be my musings- pondering, ruminations, thoughts on love, life, God, whatever.
I am excited about this beginning.
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