“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, who you sent.” –Jesus (John 17:3)
Wait a minute! I thought eternal life was forever in heaven. It is, just not like you might’ve thought.
I spent a good little chunk of my Christian life thinking that heaven was akin to an “eternal church service in the sky”. I have to admit, the thought of that didn’t have me pining for heaven.
As I grew in my faith, I began to realize there was more to the Christian faith than I was led to believe. I began to discover how to “dwell in the house of the Lord;” to “sit” in His presence and be filled. It was then that I truly learned the “peace that surpasses all understanding”. As my eyes and heart were open to all of this, I started to realize that eternal life wasn’t about singing songs or even walking on streets of gold, but it was about being in the presence of a God himself.
How could I have missed this?! Somehow in the religion of going to church every Sunday, going to bible study, and a having “quiet time;” I lost my way. It wasn’t that those things were bad; on the contrary, I believe they were vital, but it was the fact that, to me, that was all there was. I found myself consistently discouraged and struggled mightily with doubt. I thought to myself, “Is this all there is?”
But thanks be to God that he answered the prayers of a young man singing with all his heart the old 90s worship song, “Open the Eyes of My Heart”. He opened my eyes so I could see Him “high and lifted up”. I began to fall in love with the Lord, and I realized for the first time that eternal life starts now! I don’t have to wait! The veil has been torn! I can enter the presence of God!
Now I know what many of you are saying, and you are right, “For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears… Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” Yes, we are only seeing in part but, Friends, I implore you, don’t miss the part!
Spend some time in prayer. Pray this simple plea…
"Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. Open the eyes of my heart. I want to see you. I want to see you. To see you high and lifted up, shining in the light of your glory..."
Two Minutes with God 