Reading books, studying scripture, praying, and discussing the reality of Heaven and the hope that awaits Christians, has brought new perspective and produced a greater passion in my heart over the last two years.   The importance of having an eternal perspective in all things, I believe, is essential and is something I often pray will shape my thoughts, intensions, and actions. Reading books like Heaven, by Randy Alcorn, has been incredibly helpful, and provided me with some foundational truths about what eternal life with Christ, the New Heaven and New Earth will be like, based on scripture. So often, and for good reason, we are exhorted by people in our lives, as well as through scripture, to “not live for right now, live for what is to come,” “look to what is unseen, not what is unseen,” “keep your eyes fixed on the hope that is to come,” and “seek that which is of eternal value.” In other words, we are being exhorted to have an eternal perspective. But, I think part of the problem is, we (myself included) know very little about this inheritance and hope that awaits, and spend very little time thinking about what Heaven will be like. And this lack of knowledge is not because the Bible is quiet on this issue. 

The more I read about Heaven, and think about realities like every relationship being absolutely perfect in Heaven (perfect love between people, no jealousy, no selfishness, no rivalry, no one seeking their own gain, no one taking advance of others, no lying, etc.), a greater urgency rises in my heart for living life effectively this side of Heaven. Thinking about the glorious life that is to come for ALL ETERNITY, even if it is only for a moment, produces a desire to live a radical life here on Earth, and for all others to also partake in this inheritance. Meaning, doing whatever it takes, at whatever the cost, so that others will know Jesus Christ and have the opportunity to spend eternity with Him – the inheritance, treasure, and great reward.   And, what WE all long for, in some way, collides with what we end up living for every day. How we spend our time, energy, and resources. I wish my mind and heart would have a greater eternal perspective, far more frequently, allowing nothing to get in the way of my what I ought to be longing for and treasuring, Jesus.   O to have an eternal perspective like Moses, who, “considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward” (Hebrews 11:26). I need to learn more about this “reward” (heaven) that Moses was looking to, as it enabled him to choose suffering for Christ, instead of all the treasures of Egypt readily available to him. Even Jesus himself was looking forward, “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross” (Hebrew 12:2). He endured the CROSS by fixing his eyes on the joy that was to come and knowing he would soon be seated at the right hand of the throne of his Father.

Over the past couple of weeks, I have been reading about Jonathan Edwards’ life, his writings, and some well-known sermons he preached, such as “Heaven is a World of Love,” “While We Wait,” “On the Way to Heaven,” and “Being Good Citizens.” It is clear, one reason he lived so effectively on earth, was because of the vision he had of living life “in between”. From my understanding, he spent a great deal of time thinking, talking, and writing about the hope and inheritance that awaits believers in Heaven, which absolutely transformed the way he lived while on earth.

One thing I found particularly interesting, were the “travelling tips” Jonathan Edwards provides, as we are citizens of Heaven and sojourners on earth. I appreciated the focus, the simplicity, the truth, and perspective these “tips” brought to my heart. And the whole notion of “travelling” certainly resounded with me, too.

Travel Tips: 

1. We should set our minds on Heaven. By setting out minds on Heaven, it will keep us from becoming distracted or too constrained by the luring and desires of this world.
2. We seek Heaven by taking the proper route: holiness. Holiness is an upward climb, or a journey upstream, which requires travelling against the natural flow of our selfish desires and sinful appetites.
3. We must be ready for hard times. We must be prepared and be fit for the journey.   For more on this idea of “being ready,” click here. 
4. We must stay at it. There are no short cuts, and no stops.
5. We should be making continual progress.
6. We need to keep our goal in view. We ought to eat, drink and enjoy our friends as we make our journey, as these are good things God has given us as refreshment and enjoyment along the way. But they are tokens of the good things to come. We must keep our eyes fixed on the better country. We have merely tasted of grace…there is far more to come!

 

I believe, there is no better way to spend your days travelling the road that leads to everlasting enjoyment of God, to His glorious presence, where all our desires will be pure and fulfilled. As followers of Christ, we must help one another on this journey, as company is necessary on this pilgrimage and we must not do it alone! I want to capture a greater vision of Heaven as I live out my life here on earth.

Lastly, keeping in line with the Jonathan Edwards theme, here are a couple of my favourite quotes from him: 

“Entering Heaven should not be startling. Entering Heaven should be as natural and comfortable and desirable as returning home after a long trip.”

“How unsuitable it is for us, who live only by kindness, to be unkind.”

“I am resolved to endeavor to my utmost to act as I think I should do as if I’ve already seen the happiness of heaven and the torment of hell.”

That is all, for now.  This post is getting lengthy!  I hope to post an update in the next couple of days with respect to how things are going within the women’s training centre and shelter.  

Tomorrow (Monday) we are off to the usual Gypsy village – please be praying!  God hears and answers.