To Be Least

As I slept a couple nights ago, I dreamed something that has since faded greatly from my memory. I can remember standing with some other people in a suburban neighborhood. Together, as we looked at the scene around us, a man appeared suddenly before our eyes. My mind told me that it was an angel, and I immediately began to praise God. Although I do not recall what I said, I strongly felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. I can not put into words what I felt and experienced. It was all too beautiful.

At the time I did not realize that it was only a dream and after I awoke, I forgot everything. It was later, when I was sitting in my gym class when it all came back to me. I could see the man who appeared to be an angel and the feeling of awe came over me once again. Whether it was truly a vision from God, or just my mind’s creative powers, I do not know.

While the other boys ran about, I simply sat in thoughtful contemplation of these things which I did not understand. I knew that I had tasted something so much greater than this world, and I desired more of its unexplainable goodness. More specifically, I desired heaven.

So today, as I write down my thoughts, a verse from the scripture comes to my mind. The verse is from Revelations 21:1-4 and talks of when we will live with God in heaven.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

That picture is so beautiful, and yet words will never be able to describe the perfection of heaven. God’s love is so great. He has saved us from our sin and will soon dwell with us forever.

Thank you Lord.