The Hope of the New Heavens and the New Earth

I spent last week in Myrtle Beach for a seminary class on the Doctrine of the Church and the Doctrine of the End Times. I was really encouraged by the class and I think I can say it was one of my favorite ones so far. Specifically, I found great joy in reflecting on the truth that one day death will be destroyed and Christ will put all authorities under his feet (see 1 Cor. 15:20-28). In Revelation 21-22 we see that there will be a new earth and God's people will live eternally in this new earth. Tragically, those who do not profess faith in Christ and repent of their sins will live eternally in what Revelation 14 describes as eternal torment in a lake of fire.

I can't wait for all things to be made new and to dwell with Christ forever! I wrote this poem in response to things the Lord has been teaching me through the class. It doesn't rhyme and it's no masterpiece but it expresses some of what's on my heart and I hope it encourages you.

Seeing the unseen
in the midst of questions, smiles, doubts, disappointments, obstacles, haze...
is difficult.
My eyes, they are fixed on the cross, but then...
they get distracted.
Distracted by the need for approval, reputation, appearance.
Distracted by the future "what ifs?" and "whens?"
Distracted by the raging battle with sin.
Knocked down by my idols,
I struggle to get back up.
I try to stand, but my strength fails me.
I look up, lifting my body slightly with my shaky wrists,
only to fall again.
It is when my face hits the ground that I realize,
it's only by your grace I can stand.
Day by day, I know that I am wasting away.
Yet you are refining me in the midst of my failure.
You are renewing and restoring me.
Preparing me for the day when I will abide with you eternally
in the new heavens and the new earth.
Forever in the holy city, the New Jerusalem.
As a bride is to her bridegroom,
I eagerly await my final wedding day with expectation.
At the great banquet feast,
where there will be no more tears, pain and death.
Where our relationships will be in perfect harmony
and our selves will no longer be distorted and disfunctional.
As I gaze towards the unseen New Jerusalem
My soul crys out, "Come Lord Jesus, Come!"

Some lovely ladies at Murrell's inlet

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