Kingdom of Heaven
I thought this article on Christ's 1000-year rule on earth after His return was not too bad:
http://www.lcg.org/cgi-bin/tw/magazine/tw-mag.cgi?category=Magazine39&item=1130832398
But I have small disagreeing thoughts--Just to be clear here, I'm using "Kingdom in a loose sense, to include both the 1000 year physical kingdom, and the one after that, no longer on earth--both where God's manifest presence dwells with us.
I'm just thinking, Christ's death on the cross has already ushered His Kingdom's coming to earth. Even in this imperfect here-and-now world, the processes of having submitted lives, wills, and attitudes made perfect are known by those who love Him. His healing hand has cured blindness, lameness, and in His absence we have authority to do the same, according to His will. His peace is ours, His presence, very much felt, albeit non-manifest is already here. There are people who live by His laws, and situations where His laws are in place and operating (consider especially events that transcend natural laws surrounding illness, disease, even the weather?) Can I not say I have tasted heaven? Where else could heaven be? In fact, isn't the church supposed to be that little piece of heaven that gives the world a glimpse of life in Christ?
Of course, by definition, the heaven we speak of in its fullest sense would necessarily be where His manifest presence dwells. But I in my ignorance now, I still wondering what difference physically meeting God would make--what attitudinal difference would it make in me? Would I love Him more? Would I suddenly cease responding to temptation? Would i learn why and how to be more humble? Would I get super powers and have a super ministry? I've met people who claim they've been in the manifest presence of God. I don't doubt the veracity of their stories, and yet I'm not sure what difference it has made to them, besides the awe they must have experienced. And then there's the old-testament stories on being in God's manifest presence. Sure, Moses and Elijah got shining faces, and Isaiah got hot coal on his lips. But I am wondering at the kind of fear Isaiah experienced, and I wonder if that's God's preferred attitude from us when we approach Him. (Actually I have a feeling Isaiah did that because he didn't know how else to approach a God he'd always feared, and must have never quite known as a friend.) Personally speaking, I can't quite find it in myself to fall face down in awe-stricken terror after I've been regularly meeting Jesus who wants to be my best Friend. Yes He is King, yes, He is holy, and yes this is God you're talking to, and I will fall and kneel in worship. But not fear. If I have had tender conversations with Him all my life, why should I be so afraid now?
If I met God I'd probably be moved to tears, more than happy to be physically reunited with Him, give anything to have more of Him. I'd love to fawn over Him, talk to Him, give Him tea (but i bet He's got better anyway). Anything to be nearer still to His hand, his voice, his heart. But actually, these things I also already have.
So, if heaven is where God is, then I say, heaven is already here in our hearts. His kingdom has come, and waits only to be realized in full when Christ Himself returns. =)
I'm trying to visualize my part in the future when His Kingdom physically comes, teaching the nations to observe His commandments, and helping all people live the abundant life God promises them. But then I realize that's exactly what He's getting all who love Him to do now. (Heh, so we're all administrators in training! =) Sure beats JF Kennedy School of Public Administration any day!) I only hope I am meek enough to seek His will over my own at that time.
| e.s.t.h.e.r in the arms of Jesus @
3/06/2007 07:26:00 pm |
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