Wheat field Banner

Gleanings From The Word

Tag: joy

  • Better Than Eden

    Better Than Eden

    Johann Wenzel Peter's 18th-century depiction of the Garden of Eden

    This image is Johann Wenzel Peter’s 18th-century depiction of the Garden of Eden. He shows the beauty of the unspoiled garden and the closeness between animals and humanity.

    Often, when we read the Genesis account in the Bible, we long for the days of Eden. God created a paradise for people and deemed it very good. That’s got to be pure, unspoiled, and marvelous beyond belief.

    It’s natural to long for something so beautiful and perfect. Yet, I don’t believe that God was content for humanity to live in the Garden of Eden.

    How can I say that?

    Follow my logic. God is omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipresent(present everywhere). He is also infinitely merciful, loving, and just.

    That means that long before Eden was ever created, God knew that the serpent would tempt Adam and Eve and humanity would fall. Now we can speculate why He allowed it, but He hasn’t given us His reasons.

    He knew from before the first sin that He would send Jesus to pay the penalty and redeem us from sin, to make us heirs with Christ, and adopt us into the family of God.

    The Lord knew that what would follow for believers would be better than what they had and even better than the Garden of Eden.

    Revelation 21 and the first part of Revelation 22 describe in some detail what the New Heaven and Earth will be like. It’s hard to imagine.

    Then Revelation 22 goes on to say:

    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 22:3-5 ESV

    We will be in paradise forever, present with the Lord. Every other believer will also be there to worship and fellowship with. No sin, no sorrow, and no shame. Better yet, no possibility of those things ever again.

    It will be like Eden but better.

    I can hardly wait to see it in all its fullness. What about you?

    Be blessed

    Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

    Kevin

    Some Topics you might like

    Saved by faith for works

    The gospel – the best news

    Right belief or right living?

    Safe in the hands of God

    Otters and the Eden we look for

  • In The Shadows

    In The Shadows

    Encouragement in the 23 Psalm

    sun breaking through forest shadows

    We walked along the heavily shadowed forest trail. Underneath  our feet, the moss and evergreen needles padded our footsteps. We enjoyed hearing the songs of the chickadees who seemed to be following along with us on our walk, and listened to the sound of a bubbling stream nearby.

    Periodically, we’d hit a spot where the sun shone brightly, then we were back in the shadows before long. The shadows didn’t mean the sun wasn’t there; they meant the trees shielded us from seeing it temporarily.

    Life can be that way at times. Life’s troubles can make it seem like God isn’t there, yet He remains the same all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present loving God even when times are dark.

    The Scriptures repeatedly tell us that He will never leave or forsake us. King David understood this truth and proclaimed it in a familiar Psalm.

    The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 NIV

    David knew many dark times, including extended periods when his enemies actively sought to kill Him. He also knew the power and faithfulness of God, and that come what may, He was secure in the Lord’s hands. He knew that even if they succeeded, he would be with the Lord forever.

    We live in dark times. People are more frightened than I recall ever seeing before. The shadows are falling over us.

    We don’t have to be fearful because the Lord’s mercies are new every morning, and His faithfulness is great. He is still on the throne when the shadows threaten to overwhelm us.

    The world can strip us of everything but cannot separate us from Christ. Through Him, we are victorious.

    Fear not, my friends.

    Be blessed

    Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

    Kevin

    You might be interested in

    Goose feathers and Christian maturity

    The gospel – the best news ever

    Tribulations produce perseverance.

    Fences – barriers to love