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There are some Scripture verses and passages that have taken hold of my heart in ways that are beyond anything I could have anticipated before April 12th, 2015. It was on that day that my wife entered into heaven and that reality has turned my world up-side down (or right side up?!!)
Now I don’t doubt that there are regular readers of Barnabas who may be growing a little weary of my repeated references to Bev. After all, that event took place just over 2 years ago
I understand their feelings but I don’t see this focus changing anytime soon!
Be patient with me a while longer and allow me to explain.
During my earlier Christian formation there were a number of catchy phrases “doing the rounds” that did not always help inform the Church’s theology accurately. For example,
“The Church is so heavenly minded, it is of no earthly use”.
I think the reverse is the truth,
“The Church is so earthly minded we are of little or no heavenly use”.
If I had to support that observation I would direct you to the Apostle Paul and two references he made on this subject.
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honour at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth….” (Colossians 3/1,2)
But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. (Philippians 3:20-21 NLT)
Why? Why should we set our sights on the realities of heaven?
1. Because that is exactly what it is – the reality
2. Because that’s where Christ sits/lives - in the place of honour
3. Because that’s where our citizenship is recorded
4. Because that’s where our ultimate transformation will take place
5. Because that is where He will appear.
Such a focus is a life changer. A priority changer.
