March 27, 2000
LIFE & WORK:
John tries to describe
the indescribable--heaven
___Revelation 21:1-22:5
___By Debra Hochgraber
___Women's Evangelism Consultant, BGCT, Dallas
___As I prayed for a friend who recently buried her father, mother and brother, it was so comforting to know that in heaven "there will be no more death or mourning" (Revelation 21:4).
___As I held a friend whose family was breaking apart, we longed for that place where"there will be no ... crying" (Revelation 21:4).
___As we have sat so many times with those who are facing another in a series of surgeries or particular therapies, we've drawn strength from knowing that in heaven "there will be no ... pain" (Revelation 21:4).
___As we are continually aware of the violence and sexual perversity in our world, how wonderful to be in a place where "nothing impure will ever enter" (Revelation 21:27).
___But John wanted us to see all he saw. He attempted to describe the indescribable. Our senses cannot fathom bodies as Christ's resurrected one. He could appear in a room without walking through the door, and yet he could eat with his disciples (Luke 24:42) and Thomas could feel his hands (John 20:27). We accept on faith that there are other senses we are unable to experience now that will be natural later. Yet here is John trying to describe the Holy City with words relative to our limited senses.
___How would you describe a sunset to a blind person? If they have never seen light or color, you would probably need to paint a picture with music, which would give an impression of vibrant majesty melting into a pool of serenity. But the true power of the scene could not be imparted.
___How would you describe a Rachmaninoff piano concerto to a non-hearing person? You would have to let him watch the pianist, and the orchestra director, while his hands are placed on the soundboard of the piano. In that way he could sense the rhythm, intensity and dynamic contrasts. But it could never be as satisfying as hearing it.
___How would you describe chocolate to someone without the sense of taste? Don't even try.
___John did the very best he could, using earth's most precious elements as the building materials for what lay before him. Each gate into the city was a single pearl (Revelation 21:21). The street was pure gold (Revelation 21:21). The foundations of the walls were made of sapphires, emeralds and other gems (Revelation 21:19). The numerous spiritual applications of these verses are overshadowed by the simple truth that God has prepared an eternal dwelling place for his children that is more beautiful than we can comprehend.
___Truly the most wonderful part of all is that what man lost in the garden will be fully restored--our close fellowship with God. "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them" (Revelation 21:3).
___Lord, to be in your presence, to see your face, that will be enough. Where you are, I will be there also.
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