…to Heaven.
Honestly, I know how cheesy I sound most of the time, but it’s true. Heaven is my final destination. I hope that when my time comes, God will know me, welcome me, and embrace me with a forever hug. But if I could be in two places at once, it would be something in between Heaven and Israel. I’ve never been to Israel, but I long to see it before my time here is over; for many reasons.
Yet, if I think about it, these two places won’t always be separate. The Bible speaks of a time when New Jerusalem, a glorious perfect city shining with the radiance of God, will descend from Heaven to a new earth, where there will be no more sorrow, pain, or death (Revelation 21:2-4).
”2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice our of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
In that moment, Heaven and Earth will become one, and God will dwell among His people! We get to be with Him forever, and ever! That’s my dream of all dreams!
This is why knowing God is so important. He created each of us for something far greater than this temporary world. He doesn’t want anyone to be lost (2 Peter 3:9).
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Yet, there will come a time when those who reject Him will face eternal separation; banished to a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:30).
”And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
That is the worst fate of all: to be cut off from the very One who gives us life and loves is the most!
But right now, we have time. Every new breath we take is a gift from Him; a chance to get right. The Lord is the one who gives breath to its people and life to those who walk on the earth (Isaiah 42:5).
”Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which comets out of it; he that give to breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:”
Each moment is another chance to turn to Him, to walk in His ways, and to trust His plan for our lives. This life is a test, a short season where we show God where our hearts truly stand. Many choose to walk their own path, only to find themselves lost, hurt, and empty. But God, in His infinite grace, has given us His Word the Bible as a guide to help us navigate life (basic instructions before leaving earth). Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105).
Sheol—hell—the place of separation from God, was never meant for human beings. It was created for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41).
”Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels”
What does that say about us? It tells me that we were meant for so much more! We were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). We were meant to walk in His love, joy and purpose:
”So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
Aren’t you even a little curious about how incredible you really are in the eyes of your Creator? He is waiting for you, always ready to listen and help. You don’t need fancy words; just talk to Him from your heart. He hears your thoughts, your fears, and your hopes (Psalm 139:1-4). In fact, He already knew them before you were born!
”1 O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. 2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. 3 Thou compasses my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.”
Even the smallest prayer can stir up a new avenue of hope and joy in your life.
I genuinely pray that you give God a chance. What do you have to lose? Personally, I want to see you in New Jerusalem too!
I pray many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many blessings upon you.
xoxoxo
Rosalyn Rose