It seems like christians often think of heaven. Why not? Life doesn't always go as well as we would like, misunderstandings abound, confusion is excessive. Like looking forward to going home after a bad day at work, heaven is a soothing balm to the wounds of our confusion.
It wasn't too long ago that I was thinking of some words which are said during the service of communion.. "Take and drink, this is the blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin... (and Jesus goes on to say) I say unto you, I shall not drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I shall drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." Wow! What imagery! I think of family members who have gone before me and loved ones that I see struggling and think of us all at the "Marriage Feast of the Lamb" celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the redemption of all people through his precious gift of life. I think of how wonderful it will be to shed the struggle of faith here and put on new life there. I think of reunions and newness. But, BUT, I don't think this is what our faith is about, exclusively.
If you think about it... all of what Christ did centers around that word... life. He came to give us life abundantly... he gave his life that we could live... the epoch event of history is his resurrection giving life to all people. It doesn't make sense that our faith embraces heaven to the exclusion of the absolute fullness of life here! Eternal life begins this second. Heaven is the culmination of history centered around Jesus Christ to the glory of God the Father, through the Holy Spirit.
I am here today to point out a grave misunderstanding... Heaven is not the gift of God, Christ is. Christ didn't come to help you have a better day, but he came to seek you out and to restore your life, giving you absolute fullness, now. Do away with things that trap you and embrace life TODAY!
The Lord is risen, truly risen!
