This Changes Everything…

I was wondering recently: how will we recognize people in eternity? Here’s the reason for my ponder  – a picture flashed through my mind of when I first see the face of Jesus. I could see Him look me in the eye and lightly brush my cheek, right where my newly acquired scar is. I knew in that instant flash of thought, that scar will be no more.

Someday we will not have all the wear and tear this earthly life has caused. And not just the outward wear and tear. The scars on our souls will also be no more. Who wouldn’t want this hope?

“This hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out His love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to us.” (Romans 5:5 GNT)

Today I listened to a great illustration of the journey we make here on earth. We go day in day out usually looking to our own strength. But life has a way of showing us, now and then, that we don’t have what it takes to do this all on our own. In those times we tend to lift up our eyes and call for help. “I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2 NIV)

The Helper has been there all along, we just don’t ask. In the moment we do, He puts His arm around us and helps us limp along, showing us that He is the strength our weariness needs. Not more money, not more stuff, not more of anything that doesn’t last.

Here’s what we all need to grasp – the moment we accept Jesus, eternity begins. “You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God.” (Colossians 3:1 GNT) Notice the past tense: “raised”. Raised to life, eternal life. Trekking through our world here will still have it’s harsh realities. Hard things are not just for our refining, but to give us much hope to offer to others.

The kingdom, as spoken about by Jesus, isn’t a place. It’s His followers.  We are the pearl He gave everything for. And those who have gone before us will look different not just because we won’t be worn and torn, but because our spirit and soul, now united in eternal love, will shine in ways we couldn’t perceive here, but won’t be able to miss there.

This changes everything –  He indeed has made all things new. You, me – no mistaking Whose we are – and that’s our true identity.