Heavenly Conversations

Imagine your first conversation with Jesus.

Where are you? Who starts the conversation?  What is the first thing you say?  You are not going to talk about the weather, are you?

While I generally follow the counsel of John Calvin, who recommends that we do not inquire into mysteries that are beyond human comprehension, I think we do have some basis for allowing our imaginations to run free on our first heavenly conversation.

This weekend the Church thinks about the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ. (Mark 9:2-9) In this event two Jewish men who had died centuries earlier meet with Jesus on a mountain top. What we learn there gives our imaginations room to roam. We learn that Moses and Elijah are alive, that they are physically present, not appearing as ‘ghosts’ or as in a dream. No, they ‘appeared’. They could be seen.  Their presence was real enough that Peter, somewhat foolishly, suggests putting up a tent for each of them.

They were recognizable and ‘knowable.’  That is, someone, presumably Jesus, knew them by sight and called them by name.

They  could speak and be understood. They appear in person to speak with Jesus, presumably in Hebrew. There is no suggestion that they are afraid of speaking with the Son of God.

I sure don’t claim to know exactly what the next part of our existence will be like.  But, from this event (and others in the Bible), I believe we will have real bodies which Jesus will recognize and know by name.  We will speak in awe, but not in fear, and be understood. We will see, hear, and comprehend Jesus in all of his glory.  

Imagine with joy your first heavenly conversation with Jesus.

Ron Reagan, Religion and Hell

Ron Reagan (no, not the former President but his son) and I agree on some things.  We also disagree on some more important things.  But, following the lead of my theological ancestor, John Calvin, I am going to let positive thoughts about Ron dominate my thinking today.  Trying to find places we agree is always a better way through life.

Ron supports “Freedom From Religion.”  In a commercial for the organization, Ron encourages others to join in advocating for the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of Freedom of Religion.  Do you see the difference?  I do advocate for Freedom of Religion. Freedom of Religion, right along with Freedom of Speech, made and keep America viable.  But, the Founders never anticipated that the government would guarantee freedom from religion.  The government is not here to protect atheists, like Ron, nor agnostics, from God-believers invoking God’s providential care.  Just like the government doesn’t protect me from atheists publicly denying my God exists. Can you agree with me on that, Ron?

The tag line of Ron’s commercial, delivered with a small smile (smirk?), tells us that he is “Ron Reagan. Life-long atheist. Not afraid of burning in Hell.” On this last point, Ron and I share a common belief. I am not afraid of burning in Hell either, Ron.  In fact, I am certain I am going to spend eternity with God (“Heaven”), not apart from God (“Hell”).  The Bible tells me so. (As does John Calvin.) Now, I don’t know if Ron is not afraid of burning in Hell because he doesn’t believe Hell exists, or because he doesn’t believe there is a God to be separated from. Maybe it is both.

This morning, at 3:00 a.m., I received an email with “????” as the subject line. The only message was 2 Peter 3:9, quoted below. I replied “Truth. Amen! Let’s talk.” Peter gives me Hope that neither Ron nor I will be separated from the love of God.  There’s time, Ron, for you and I to agree on even the more important things.

God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change. (2 Peter 3:9, The Message)

Celebrating Birth Days

She is not as old as the calendar says she is.  Her quick wit and infectious smile belie her nearing the century mark (she is ‘really close’, but I am sworn to secrecy on how close!)

I had the opportunity to visit my dear old friend (meaning ‘long-time friend’) on her birthday, May 10, 2018.  I mention the date and year because this date is Ascension Day, the day the Church celebrates the return of Jesus in bodily form to the right hand of the Father, making way for the Spirit’s Pentecost arrival. I shared the text for Sunday’s sermon, where Jesus prays near the end of his earthly journey:  “I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you.” (John 17:11 NIV)

We smiled at our good fortune in having Pastor Donna’s upside down cake to share for this double celebration. And we talked about how fitting it was that, on this her “___th” birthday, she could have her mind directed to the joy which comes from knowing Jesus ascended from earth to heaven. And why, we discussed, could the departure of someone so loved be a source of joy to his friends? Well, why did Jesus ascend? To go to prepare a place for you, my friend! If it were not so, he wouldn’t have told us, Jesus says.

“Is my birthday always on Ascension Day?”, she wondered. I explained that, no, it was not. In fact, it is pretty rare for May 10 to be the Thursday which is the 40^th day of Easter and 10 days before Pentecost.  “Well,” she said, “ it won’t happen again in my life time.” (pause…smile) “At least it better not!” (I told you she had a quick wit.)

“…I say these things…so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” (v. 13)

And on this day on which we celebrate my friend’s first birth, and anticipate her second birth, we saw in each other’s eyes joy.

O happy day.