“Behold, I am making all things new“ (Rev.21:5). “Increasingly encourage each other as you see this Day approaching” (Heb.10:25). “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Rev.21:4). “We will see Jesus as he is and we will be made like him” (1Jn.3:3). “All will be right when Aslan is in sight” (From the Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis)
Lord Jesus, I revel and rejoice in this tapestry of Scriptures this morning in response to the tapestry of wonder you overwhelmed me with as my Gospel Posse approached the destination for our retreat this week in the North Woods of Wisconsin.
It was like driving into an open box of multi-colored crayons blending their vibrant hues as they painted the pristine skyline. It was a kaleidoscopic overload of colorful leaves dancing against the backdrop of a perfectly blue sky. Individually and collectively, the leaves were declaring your glory—calling my heart from distraction and cynicism to focus and adoration. Hallelujah, and thank you. What did/do the leaves and these Scriptures remind me of today?
- By the Gospel we are in the process of becoming as loving and as lovely as you, Jesus—astonishing, but true. Our Father will complete the good work he began in us and creation (Phil.1:6).
- You have set the expiration date for all evil, sin, and sickness—all darkness, meanness, and madness. Everything will be beautiful, true, and good. All our pain, losses, and failures will be redeemed. “Everything sad will come untrue” and we will never experience death in any form ever again.
- Our forever will be like the Garden of Eden on Gospel-steroids. Every longing you’ve written into our DNA, and everything you’ve planned for us before the world began, will come to fantastic fruition and overflowing fullness. Vexation is for a moment; perfection is forever. Hallelujah!
Jesus, life is too short and the end of our story is too glorious for us to stay distracted and irritated, fearful and self-preoccupied. 3 of 5 of my Gospel Posse are in our 70’s, and 2 are in their 60’s. Reinvigorate us with yourself, Jesus, and free us to live and love to your glory all the way Home. So Very Amen.
