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Gleanings From The Word

Tag: Heaven

  • Otters

    and the Eden we long for

    Yesterday, Kathy and I made a day trip out to Steveson. We walked at Garry Point, enjoying the coastal views (Salish Sea, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and part of the Fraser River). It was fascinating watching the various marine craft come and go. The highlight, though, was the otters.

    We enjoyed a meal of fish and chips at #pajo’s on the boardwalk. Afterward, as we strolled near Fisherman’s Wharf, we spotted three otters. At first, they were simply swimming and playing, but they proceeded to climb up onto a far end of the dock within sight of us. They were hilarious to watch as they played and explored some of the watercraft. They kept us amused for 5-10 minutes before they disappeared from our sight. They were close enough to see well, but not close enough to photograph, clearly on my phone, so today’s image is courtesy of Kendra Young on Unsplash.

    I always enjoy watching animals at play, and when I do, I often think of the Garden of Eden. The Garden was deemed “very good” by God, and no sin had entered. I know many species of animals and birds can differentiate 

    between humans, becoming trusting and often very friendly with them. I’m certain the animals played freely, and that Adam and Eve were free to join in. 

    While Eden is, alas, no more. A heavenly paradise awaits those who belong to Christ. It’s a place that defies description, but I am certain it will be everything Eden was and more.

    John the Revelator attempted to describe what he saw in the Revelation; the Holy Spirit inspired him to write. Here’s a taste of what He said.

    Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”  Revelation 21:1-5 ESV

    Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:1-4 ESV

    I can’t begin to imagine it. To be honest, I can’t even really picture the fullness of what the Garden of Eden was like, and it foreshadowed what will come. Still, I can hardly wait to see it.

    I have my Holy Spirit-sealed ticket to Paradise. Do you have yours?

    If you haven’t trusted Jesus by faith yet, do it today.

    Kevin

    SUMMARY

    Watching three playful otters explore the docks in Steveston reminded me of Eden’s innocence, when animals and humans lived in unbroken harmony. The Garden of Eden is gone now, but through Christ, an even greater paradise awaits those who trust Him

    TAKEAWAY

    I watched three otters play and explore the docks at Steveston, and it reminded me of the untouched harmony of Eden

    I believe the animals in Eden trusted humans completely, free enough that Adam and Eve could have joined right in their play

    Revelation 21–22 shows me the paradise to come, greater than Eden ever was, where God dwells with His people forever and wipes away every tear

    YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THESE POSTS

    The reason no one has an excuse – you know even if you deny it

    The great news of the gospel

    A Walk in the Woods – thoughts on the Psalms

    Better than Eden

    Harbor Mouse – misunderstanding the Word

  • Getting older and the hope of glory

    The stepstool beside it reminded me that I'm getting older

    I know I’m getting older. I used to hop up and down into the bed of a pickup with no problem. Now I much prefer to use a step stool. It’s not as cool, but I don’t look or feel as uncoordinated as I would without one, and frankly, it’s safer. As they say, “Getting older isn’t for wimps.” For all my young friends, you might not relate yet, but your time will come.

    One thing about getting older is that it is one step closer to glory. Now, like many Christians, I am really looking forward to being there with Jesus, but at the same time, I don’t want to go home yet.

    Going to be with Jesus isn’t something I spend my days obsessed with, but it does cross my mind the older I get. A friend from church passed away this week, unexpectedly, and while we know where he went, he will be missed by those left behind.

    I have no fear about what happens after my passing from this mortal coil. As a Christian believer, I know exactly where I’m headed.

    John’s Revelation of Jesus the Christ speaks at length about it, and there are plenty of hints and glimpses elsewhere in the Bible.

    Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” And it was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” And he said to me, “These are true words of God.” Revelation 19:7-9

    When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child. When I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:11-12

    It’s going to be a celebration unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. United with Jesus, the one who knew me and loved me enough to die for me. Gathered with every believer that ever was, regardless of ethnicity, skin color, economic status or any of the other artificial separators and dividers we use here in this world.

    All my sins and sorrows gone, no more pain and suffering. Joy unspeakable. Finally being all that God created me to be.  Free to serve Him in everything, with everything I do for His glory.

    Honestly, I can’t really comprehend what that will be like. I imagine the most peaceful and joy-filled moments in this life and know it will dwarf them. 

    Just meeting Jesus face to face will be better than anything this life has to offer. I don’t know how it will all unfold, but I hope that’s the first thing I see.

    Not sure about what will happen to you after death? Get right with Jesus today.

    I can hardly wait. What about you?

    Hallelu Yah (Praise God) 

    Be blessed 

    Kevin 

    Unchanging mountains – How will we fare when the Master returns?

    SUMMARY

    Getting older has a way of turning your eyes toward eternity — and for the believer, that’s not a bad thing. A friend’s unexpected passing this week, a step stool by the pickup truck, and the words of Revelation 19 and 1 Corinthians 13 all point the same direction: a celebration with Jesus that will dwarf anything this life has to offer.

    KEY POINTS:

    • Aging is one step closer to glory, and the Christian can face that reality with confidence rather than fear
    • Heaven is a wedding feast — face to face with Jesus, every believer gathered, every earthly divider gone
    • The most peaceful, joy-filled moments of this life won’t come close to what awaits

    The Gospel: The best news you will ever hear