GodReflection: The Final Entrance

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17)

I grew up around the Potash mines of New Mexico.  Miles of tunnels are always in a state of expansion as workers and machines dig deeper into the earth in search of the ore.

A blessing I find in Jesus is the freedom to mine deeper into Scripture. Its riches makes potash mining look as if it operates in shallow soil.

During the current month, I have spent concentrated time to explore core reasons that underpin my anticipation of God’s final advent onto planet earth.

I indicated in the beginning my lack of familiarity with the Advent tradition. It rather surprised me how unaware I was to a Christian tradition dating back over 1500 years. One that directs hearts and minds to Christ second coming.

I learned the observance reminds Christ followers of the times God has come to earth. It is a time to contemplate the wait, the mystery, the incarnation, and the redemption, all pointing to the return of Christ.

God will once again break into history.

Parallel to my Advent exploration I began a more careful investigation of what Scripture shares about heaven. Jesus describes it as a new heaven and a new earth.

I am beginning to see the new earth as just that—a new earth. Like Jesus I will experienced a renewed body with an eternal warranty. Whatever enjoyment I experience on current earth, will multiple beyond the limits of my most optimistic imagination when I become a resident of the new earth.

My eternal joy cannot begin until Christ receives the final word from the Father and comes to my rescue.

I want nothing more than for His return to take place in 2014. However, since neither the Son nor the Angels know the final date I can only live in anticipation of the someday.

Therefore, while I wait for the unknown moment of the final Advent, how do I want to spend whatever time God allots to me in 2014?

I immediately think of three areas on which to focus my attention.

First, I want to become better acquainted with God.

Since my human limitations stand in enormous contrast to God’s complexity there is always room for growth in our relationship. This year I want to work at a greater understanding of His Holiness.

Second, while I wait, it is my desire to become a better listener.

I want to increase my awareness to the presence of the Spirit. I want to be available to run errands as the feet and hands of Jesus.

Third, while I wait I want to enjoy His earth with all of His benefits.

The earth is still the Father’s and was made for my enjoyment even while the cosmic battle continues toward God’s complete control of Satan. It is Satan who is evil—not the earth.

Yes, God wraps His final advent in mystery.

However, one thing is clear. He is returning. He will make a final entrance.

Like believers throughout history, I will feel intense fear at the sight of God.

Jesus will lift me by his hand and I will know all is well.

I will have just witnessed the final advent of God.

However, I will have done so from the vantage point of a son since Jesus claimed me as a sibling because of events on a hill, in a tomb, and the trust I placed in him since my own days in the New Mexico desert.

Stay tuned. See you in 2014.

Dr. Gary J. Sorrells – Reflecting on God’s final advent.

Gary@GodReflection.org