A Life in Exile

I’ve had the book on my shelf for years. I don’t even know where it came from, which is unusual for me, because I know my books. Maybe it was the recent death of my cousin, or a new year, or a new decade of life through a recent birthday, but something made the thick spine of Randy Alcorn’s book, Heaven, stand out like a billboard on my bookshelf.

I Read, I Pondered, I’m Conquered.

What is it about Heaven, anyway? The last of the spectrum of the Baby Boomer Generation, I didn’t grow up with much talk about Heaven. Sermons were few, studies were non-existent, and though I sang, “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks” and knew my uncle’s favorite hymn was “Beulah Land,” I can honestly say I have not put a lot of deep thought or study into this place of my final destination. Most of my adult years were focused on what missionaries do—going to the nations to make disciples. I was focused more on the “here and now” of the Christian life, thus Heaven was relegated to a literal shelf.

Now in my “later years,” I have a new pastor, young and full of contagious energy, not only about God’s Word as a whole but about the hope we have in Christ. What is that hope? His return, His reign, His final redemption and restoration of all things. Thus, this seminary-educated woman has been inspired to dig into her Bible, listen to sermons, and read books—and I’m having a great time.

As Alcorn has opened my eyes to the wonders of Plus Ultra (More Beyond) life on the New Earth, sans Curse, I’m humbled at all I’ve missed along the way. This quote grabbed my attention:

God is grooming us for leadership. He’s watching to see how we demonstrate our faithfulness. Christ is not simply preparing a place for us, he’s preparing us for that place.

Randy Alcorn, Heaven

Dread of Work and Rule

What Adam and Eve enjoyed in the Garden, we will know again. And what is it? The joy of service on a redeemed earth. The things we enjoy doing now, we will enjoy even more in Heaven. There will be no weight involved with the work we do because the Curse will be no more. We will still work, but out of a desire to delight in what God has given us to accomplish.

When my wise, late husband would say, “There will be activity in Heaven,” I usually just nodded, thinking, “Maybe, I’m not sure.” I was always in the “this is above my head” state. Knowing him as I did, I figured he was right, but I had never made the effort to find out why. The more I now know the Bible, the more I get it.

I told my brother that I was not excited about the possibility of reigning with Christ for a thousand years or working in Heaven, because I was tired from work! I’ve even quoted Lilias Trasher on her relief that Heaven will be free from responsibility. That’s how I felt, and I found myself turned off by the thought of activity, work, or reigning. Thankfully, I wasn’t alone in my thoughts, and Randy Alcorn addressed the issue well in his book.

What I realized was I was looking at Heaven through my Curse-stained, dimly-viewed lens of this life. I neglected to acknowledge and accept what Christ’s return would mean—NO MORE CURSE.

A Change of Perspective Changes Everything

I have never not acknowledged God’s saving work through Christ. I have believed in Jesus as my Savior since the tender age of eight. It’s been a wonderful journey with him, and I know I’ve grown and changed over the years, as I’ve come to better understand him and his Word. Now, however, I am grabbing onto what a better understanding of Heaven means for this life, and thus, the understanding of being an apprentice for Christ.

All that he’s gifted me with in this life—my desire to disciple others, the ability to have an expanded worldview because of my work overseas, the desire to write and teach, and even my gifts in administration—all these he will use even more in Heaven. In the renewal of all things, I will long to continue to pour into others to his glory. Maybe he’ll use me to tell someone’s story in writing or organize a heavenly local library. Who knows, but God? In the meantime, I’m motivated to demonstrate my faithfulness to him on this side “of the Jordan.” Knowing that I’m pleasing him here becomes sweeter in realizing that it will be even sweeter still then.

Are you bogged down by life, work, and responsibilities? Read the third chapter of Colossians, where Paul reminds us to set our hearts on things above and then he goes through the practical ways to do that. As you let the peace of Christ rule in your heart, be faithful, reminded that a day is coming, and coming soon, when everything that hinders you from delighting in what you do today will be removed.

What a glorious day that will be! Press on as Christ’s apprentice, for soon you will be set free!

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Wednesday Wisdom post, click HERE, or check out these two posts on Heaven: Relief and Eternity.

Here’s a nice video of a newer version of Beulah Land to enjoy.