Longing for home

We've made it!

We've reached the end of the New City Catechism. Well done if you have stuck with me, and kudos to those who have made a good go at learning the catechism too. I must admit, I started with good intentions, but haven't managed to commit these questions and answers to memory - not even the short (kids) answers! I shall rely on my book, app and blog going forward!

The final question, speaks of our ultimate end - our eternal home.

Q52. What hope does everlasting life hold for us?A. It reminds us that this present fallen world is not all there is; soon we will live with and enjoy God forever in the new city, in the new heaven and the new earth, where we will be fully and forever freed from all sin and will inhabit renewed, resurrection bodies in a renewed and restored creation.

Here's some things to note:

The future is bright: Right now, things can seem bleak. Even if you are an optimist, the circumstances of life can get you down. But it isn't always going to be this way. We have a great future ahead of us. We will dwell in a renewed creation, and have resurrected bodies. We will no longer feel pain when we get out of bed. We won't be afraid of viruses or cancers. We won't grieve for our loved ones. We'll never have to pull a weed from the garden again! The future is bright.

And there is more - we are freed from sin. We'll never lash out and then wish we hadn't said that. We'll never feel that twang of guilt. We'll not be addicted to porn or drawn by celebrity or selfishly building up our own kingdom. Our pride will never be hurt! We won't struggle to pray. Or be distracted in worship. Our enemy has been defeated. Actually, not only is our accuser gone, but I wonder if the very memory of his attacks will be erased?

God is at the very centre on of our bright future: We live with him. Revelation 21 speaks of an intimate relationship with him - he wipes the tears from our eyes. It speaks of an immediate relationship with him - there is no longer any temple, no priests, no go betweens, no rituals, no looking through a glass dimly. No, when we are there we shall see him face to face. It speaks of a rich relationship with him - as he provides all we need, from protection to light; and of course, he throws a great banquet!

And when we see his face - we shall worship. And that worship shall be passionate and joy filled. Heaven is all about him. And he is enough.

We've come full circle: Our final home seems too good to be true. It seems to distant - will we make it?

When these doubts arise, we need to remember where we have come from, and how we got here. In terms of the catechism we need to go full circle, right back to Question 1! It is a great answer to keep in your mind and take to your heart. It will help you on your journey to our heavenly home.

Q1. What is our only hope in life and death?A. That we are not our own but belong, body and soul, both in life and in death, to God and to our Saviour Jesus Christ.

All too often, we wonder - can I make it? Am I good enough? I have messed up again!

The battle is fierce and we want to give up.

We wonder how we can get through.

My only hope? I belong to Him. And he WILL take me home.

With every breath I long to follow Jesus

For He has said that He will bring me home And day by day I know He will renew me Until I stand with joy before the throne To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus All the glory evermore to Him When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat Yet not I, but through Christ in me

~ What gift of grace is Jesus my Redeemer, by City Alight