When is the last time you had your mind blown? I mean the time you were overwhelmed with something so outstanding you just couldn’t believe the fact that you really experienced it. I realize we live in the age of the fake, where virtual reality has taken over what is real. So, I do not mean the time that you were overwhelmed at movie or a manmade pretend experience, I’m talking about something that you experienced that was for real. Maybe it was the beauty of a sunset, especially if you are on the coast and see what is termed a “green splash.” Maybe like we saw God’s handiwork earlier this year in the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Maybe the wonder of a child being born. I think you get the point at which I am aiming. We’ve all experienced things that were way beyond our expectation or comprehension. Now consider this:
1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV) — 9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—
The Scripture is telling us to call to mind the best and most outstanding thing you know. Notice the words, “the heart of man imagined,” and know that God has something better for us in the future. That is called living by hope not by sight. When we take the truth of what God describes is a glorious future for those who have trusted in Him and have submitted to Him as Lord of all, then God constantly reminds us that this world is not our home, we are just passing through and we, like Abraham, are seeking for a city (dwelling place) whose designer and builder is God.
Hebrews 11:8–10 (ESV) — 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.
Abraham considered himself as just passing through, but his faith was solidly placed in the God who had made promises and, in His ability, to see Abraham through. That is something we all need a good dose of on a regular basis – going to the word of God and being reminded of what God has promised and what God is able to do. There’s a great blessing found in the book of Ephesians that is a good reminder.
Ephesians 3:20–21 (ESV) — 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Eugene Peterson in his paraphrased translation, includes the words, “or dream or imagine” after the words, “ask or think” which seems to fit the mind-boggling power of these words. What is God capable of doing? Far more than we could ever ask, think, dream, or even imagine. After all, He’s the One Who took nothing and made the universe and suspended it in space on nothing and it stayed.
When we think about the future, we often think of descriptions in the book of Revelation which simply are there to say, whatever you think is good, it’s much better than that.
Revelation 21:18–21 (ESV) — 18 The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
The next verse tells us the true beauty of what awaits us:
Revelation 21:22–23 (ESV) — 22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.
We are told that our bodies are part of the purchased possession of the Lord Jesus Christ who paid the price for us by dying for our sins. Therefore, all our aches and pains of this life will soon be changed to a time when there will be a life that just boggles the mind.
Philippians 3:20–21 (ESV) — 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Revelation 21:4 (ESV) — 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
So much so that we are given another comparison to remind us of the fact that our future just boggles the mind and we think of our present suffering, whatever it is:
Romans 8:18 (ESV) — 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Whether you are down or up at this moment, it’s good to be reminded that this world is not our home, we are just passing through. It’s also good to be reminded that the future God has for those who are trusting Him and His word, is beyond comprehension. It’s that good!
On the other hand, there awaits a day of judgment and terror for those who have rejected God’s truth and ignored the calls to repent. That day too is beyond comprehension, exceedingly terrible. Words like fire, pain, torment, weeping, and gnashing of teeth give us some insight but again this future is mind-boggling.
May we take seriously what God has said about the future and be encouraged or be stirred to run to Him for safety and comfort.
Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV) — 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker
