Heaven on earth

It begins: “God looked around his garden, and found an empty place, He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful He always takes the best…”

The poet shares a touching reflection upon God’s tender care in suffering, death and beyond.

While the poem isn’t designed to be taken literally, God is rightly characterised as loving and compassionate, not ignorant or unfeeling toward pain.

God’s timely closure of earthly life is depicted, as is his loving welcome into the eternal blessings of his Kingdom.

While our understanding of heaven is limited, it’s usually perceived as being somewhere above and beyond this world.

However, Jesus announced that God’s Kingdom is also present here on earth.

He taught that, although the full Kingdom experience is available beyond this realm, there are many benefits to be enjoyed currently, despite the pain and imperfection typifying our world.

Here and now, Jesus promises peace beyond understanding, lasting joy, forgiveness, strength, healing, comfort and purpose, his abiding presence always, and more.

Jesus came into the world and laid down his life so that we can have a taste of heaven on earth, declaring, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

This gift of life endures beyond the grave, far beyond the reach of pain and suffering.

As the poem suggests, God sees you and cares deeply about your current circumstances, and your future.

Today, you can make the decision to know and trust him. He will always respond to a believing heart.

Following this faith step, find a local church to call home. We would love the opportunity to help you further embrace this gift of life.

~ Contributed by Pastor Lynette Kay of Ignite Life Church, on behalf of the Combined Churches of Deniliquin.