A Theological Fantasy
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him”—
- 1 Corinthians 2:9 -
Prepare to be bored.
Seriously, deeply bored. I mean, how exciting could a story possibly be if there's no danger involved?
No damsel in distress.
No crisis to resolve.
Nothing but absolute perfection, day, after day, after day... But you get the idea.
Or, do you?
Maybe you don't get it. Perhaps I should try to explain my problem.
Life's a Beach
Image courtesy of Glen Jackson and http://unsplash.com
You see, I'm in Heaven.
No, not that "puffy cloud, robes and harps" rubbish you've seen in the cartoons. I mean, the real, honest to God, eternal universe sort of Heaven that you'd know about if you bothered to pay attention to your bible.
What's that? You're a Christian?
Why the hell don't you know about this?
No wonder your neighbors aren't jealous - you're not giving off any excitement about your amazing future.
OK, ok, maybe it's not entirely your fault. In fact, that's one reason I'm writing this now.
My friend Amy (that's her doing pirouettes on the beach) said I ought to write a few stories about life here, for your benefit. She reminded me that you're somewhat handicapped. After "God's beloved, chosen, gathered people" fossilized into "the church," the fellows who used to pass for preachers weren't exactly visionaries.
Amy said, "Duncan, why don't you write some stories? Stir up some excitement? Give them a glimpse of what's really in store? "
So here we go.
I apologize in advance if the really good stuff ends up getting redacted.
Not that you'd ever know. One or two things we take for granted now may be literally "forbidden knowledge" to you. Nevertheless, I'll try!
I'll keep this conversational, like a chat over drinks, or like I'm writing you a letter. If you're reading this, either angelic dispatch worked — this was delivered by special courier — or I've been able to convey it to my past self in a dream.
Just another day at the beach...
Image courtesy of Ishan @seefromthesky and http://unsplash.com
What's life in heaven really like?
It's surprisingly like life on Earth. In fact, it is life on Earth because Heaven and Earth are now completely merged. There's no longer any distinction. Earth has been utterly purged and renewed, along with all that you might imagine that could mean. Everything is pristine, Edenic.
It might be more productive to tell you what life in heaven is not like.
No pollution.
No litter.
No bloody assholes to ruin your day.
Since arriving here (entirely by Jesus/God's kind grace, BTW, nothing I ever did to deserve it), one of the most interesting things I've noticed is a change in my vocabulary. There are lots of words that I rarely, if ever, use any more. And no, I'm not talking about "profanity."
You want examples?
"Tired." I never say "I'm tired" any more - well, I just did, but only so you'll understand.
"Sad." Hahahaha! Never again!
"Hurt." Nothing hurts any more. Not a thing.
"Lonely." How could I possibly be lonely when I'm surrounded by beautiful, loving friends?
Oh, the words still exist... in the dictionaries, and in the Library of Heaven... but purely for historical reasons.
Phrases, too.
"I don't have the time." Hahahahaha! I have all the time I'll ever need to be and do and become anything I've ever dreamt of.
"I can't afford it." Really? I have the wealth of the universe at my disposal.
"You're not allowed to do that." Anything I want to do, and can imagine, is now possible. Anything.
But wait, there's more.
"Old." What does that even mean?
Just as he promised in the book, Jesus has made everything new.
I have a new body.
I live in New Heavens and on a New Earth.
New, new, new!
God's mercies are new every morning.
But, hey, there's so much more to tell. Especially about these new bodies... I mean, wow, if your head isn't in the bible, it's not likely you can imagine how incredibly good they are... So I'll just have to tell you.
Willie Nelson sings "Whispering Hope"
Next time.
© 2017, Duncan Cary Palmer. All rights reserved.
with a tip of the hat to John J. Geddes for suggesting I write more fiction...
~=~FIN~=~
Thanks again @Creatr I'm loving your vibes , this is really happening!
Heaven...sigh. I can't wait to touch the face of my "Father and Rescuer." Thanks for a time out of my crazy day to be reminded of the adventure that's in store for us soon @creatr.
"...touch the face..."" Are you familiar with Chris Rice and his music? :D
You're very, very welcome. I hope you found my story engaging, and that you'll "stay tuned" for the upcoming installments.. ;)
P.S. Have you ever read this story? ;)
I just read "this story". Now I have a problem. They'll be so many people even though a remnant by God's standard of measure, but by our understanding, there will be an enormous number of people there on that day forever and I wonder now if I'll be able to get "face time" with Jesus too. I long to see him face to face and be made totally whole and enveloped in his unfathomable love. I'll go with the Psalmist for now and quiet myself about things that are too big for my understanding. Yes, that's what I'll do so I can sleep.
Really good post @creatr. I wasn't here to read that one....but really good thoughts.
Oh and I love Chris Rice too.
Well, if you haven't sacked out already, here's a thought or two to console you...
In "eternity," "time" is not necessarily what it is here. Just as multi-threaded, multi-tasking computers behave here, in the Glory, "time" will serve us and not the other way around. Jesus, who is God, will have as much "time" for you as you will need or want with him. His door will always be open to you when you want to see him.
Of course, the other important truth to hold to is this. In eternity, we will all be one with Christ, thoroughly and completely. Consequently, we will value the time we spend with each other as if we were spending time with the LORD.
I hope that helps? :D
Yup. I get it. It's like the hub of a wheel. Time that is. It doesn't move in eternity. And because it's in Him we live and move and have our being....we'll be one...whatever that looks like. Altho I get it....it goes away like a glimmer and then I try to figure it out and on and on. Rest.
P.S. Thanks for reading "this story." ;)
If you write it, they will come.
YES! I love the song, "Deep Enough to Dream" and the first time I heard the expression, "Touch the Face of the One Who Made Me" I couldn't get it out of my head. The intimacy of that moment makes me long for Heaven! I just knew we were buddies @creatr from the first time I read you.
I have to say, the energy you put into your thoughts and consideration of complex matters just makes my head hurt a little bit. Haha. You are an intelligent man for sure. Your "this story" was great! I can't wait to meet my faithful heroes and get them to answer all of my questions at the wedding feast! See you there!
I can't think steadily about that line from Chris Rice's song without tearing up...
Thanks for reading "The Most Popular Person In Heaven...". ;)
So good.
I resteemed Whispering Hope - ~Forbidden Tales~ From Your Bright Future. (I have no idea how to put a link in a comment)
Thank you very much for the Re-Steem. :D
Here's how to put a link in a comment:
[Link Title](link_url)For example:
[Whispering Hope - ~Forbidden Tales~ From Your Bright Future](https://steemit.com/story/@creatr/whispering-hope-forbidden-tales-from-your-bright-future)will give you:
Whispering Hope - ~Forbidden Tales~ From Your Bright Future
This is vintage creatr - no one on steemit does what you do, my friend. And you know I'm a sucker for Willie Nelson. ...and thank you for the #Shout Out, but it's just what all your friends on here would tell you. Post something every day - a haiku, a story, or a Curmudgeon exposition. Thanks for this, my friend
Thank you, John. More of the story to come, but I won't guarantee you'll like all of it? Heaven isn't exactly what we've been "spoon fed" to think it will be... ;)
And no, I didn't know you were a Willie fan. But his was the best cover of "Whispering Hope" that I found to go with my tale...
Your prayers and encouragement are greatly appreciated. :D
And, I really didn't think I had been "gone" for six whole days. In fact, I had to look at the date stamp on my Antarctica story to believe it! :D
Please don't write anything curmudgeon, please. I get enough of that "spirit" at home :)
Aw, shucks, have you read any of my "Bible Curmudgeon" series?
It's all about the mental debates and arguments I have with the bible translators... ;)
Maybe (after you have some "cawfee" in you) you might brave reading one or two? ;)
I actually have several bible series, and some more "in the wings..." Like the upcoming series, "A Geek Looks At The Bible."
Maaaaybe I will ...... but I will only debate with inside voice ....I've done enough of apologetics to last me eternity. Ugh. I find it exhausting. Give me the link please and I will take a boo at it....with a cup of true north coffee :)
Hey, I don't want to ever coerce you out of your comfort zone...
I want you to go voluntarily! ;)
But, as you have asked, I will give you a link to one out of my Curmudgeon series... Perhaps the least polemic of all:
I suspect you'll happily get by with decaf on this one... But do let me know? ;)
I read it. It was beautiful. I agree with what you said - why curmudgeon? I didn't hear a tirade at all. I heard passion, respect for and awe of our Creator — the Word made flesh and dwelt amongst us. I didn't need coffee, just water. :)
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STOPI LOVE this story....LOVE it! If you were here I'd have so much to say and add and ask and and and.....drive you crazy...but, wait you are in heaven and there is no more crazy....I'll be forever grateful for all that was, is and will be. PS I LOVE Willie Nelson too, but only like ice cream love, not love love. Told you I'm crazy.:)
Thank you, Dear. Thank you.
I smiled when I wrote it, and I'm smiling again to hear that you are enjoying it.
More to come. Stay tuned! ;)
Ah, if only. It's where I desperately want to be. Probably why I think and write about it all the time. ;)
me too. I absolutely look forward to the day when we walk by sight...and all this stuff is reconciled, healed, totally glorified.
I'm looking forward to part 2! and 3?
At least 3. Probably more. ;) Maybe many more, in time...
Let's see now; the challenge is: "You have a few good years left in you; describe eternity."
Good luck with that, eh? ;)
hahaha....no kidding. You'll do it.
Second installment up... ;)
Thank you for letting me know. I'll grab my caffee, no that's the american accent.....I'll grab my cawfee....that's canadian. :)
hopes is always best for the future planing
Thank you.
a girl at beach with u all alone the best thing
Yes, a very good thing indeed. :)
hope in include the intention then it will be beautiful in time, very nice post
Thank you. I wish the same hope for you.
thank you, hope we can be friends
if you want to visit my blog and give your vote to me, I am very happy if you visit my blog, not mean spam, thank you ,,,
A beautiful old hymn... Heaven will be beautiful.. I hope to see my Marcia there. I wonder if there is marriage in heaven or will we all be angelic brothers and sisters. Thanks my kind friend.
Stay tuned, brother... I will be touching on the topic of "marriage in heaven" in upcoming articles... ;)
@creatr Everything in me is wants to say spoiler alert, spoiler alert re @enjoywithtroy's
I wonder...
But, of course, that would ruin things in my spirit...so I will refrain...without temptaion ;+)...
Praise God for the angelic voice of Willie...
Thanks for this amusing and uplifting post!
Peace.
Hello, @spiritualmatters,
First, you're welcome for the post, I'm glad you enjoyed it. There is already a sequel, with more to come.
Thank you for reading and commenting... However, I'm not quite sure that I understand your concern about a spoiler alert?
My apologies...lol...
@enjoywithtroy wants to know if there will be giving and taking in marriage in heaven....
I wanted to blurt out the answer; thus ruining the disclosure in your upcoming video; thus, the 'spoiler alert' :+)....
Peace!
Thank you for the explanation. However, you may want to stay tuned as my take on the matter may be different from any you may have heard before...
OMGoodness!!!....REALLY?????....I am definitely eager to hear your perspective...
I will say no more at this point.
I will stay tuned; and chime in with your next post.
Peace.
Hi creatr :)
Hello, Dear long-lost stranger... ;)
Hallelujah! I miss “sermons” like this.
Who says, “I can’t afford it?” One of the worst things you could ever share with me, haha.
I was smiling throughout this beautiful piece, my friend. What a joy it is to live in Eden.... again.
Ah, the "already but not yet" of biblical theology.
So glad to be able to make you smile. I trust there will be more smiles to come, along with some surprises. ;)
It can be here...inside. But not for all atm.
Thanks for visiting, friend! :)
Anytime i see u posting! Be well always.
Thank you, dear! You too.
Will try ;)
Now checking it against my database of known compromised or unsafe domains.. you'll see another reply if it's in there. If not, it's likely safe to open.
For more information about risks involved in shortened URLs, read this article by Forbes.
{average of post/comments with Shortened links I found per hour: 21.9}
Your write up is impressive. Followed @creatr
Thanks, friend. Nice to "meet" you here.