Pondering the first moment I see Christ
He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20)
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)
I'm still musing over death and dying, and eternity as a whole. Basically, I can't wait until I see Jesus face to face! It's not about how cool heaven will be (Revelation 21:21, 22:1-5, etc). It's not even about all the awful things that won't be in heaven—fear, suffering, pain, sadness (Revelation 21:4). I can't wait to finally "praise the One who paid my debt and raised my life up from the dead" with every fiber of my being, for the rest of eternity. I can't wait to finally savor Jesus Christ, and to embark on a never ending journey in knowing how infinitely worthy He is of all praise, honor, and glory. I can't wait to finally see the lion-like Lamb, the lamb-like Lion; Jesus truly is an admirable conjunction of diverse excellencies! (Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ)
What will happen the first time I see Christ? My heart yearns for that moment, but my mind can barely begin to comprehend it; how can I even dare to imagine it?! I wish I could see Jesus face to face now, then come back and live the rest of my short life here on earth (Job 7:7, 7:16). That way, perhaps after seeing Christ in all His glory, I would have the boldness I need to make every moment count for Him… I would understand how beautiful Christ is and how despicable and worthless sin is (Jeremiah 2)! An eloquent preacher (whose writing style you may recall) said it this way, "Resolved: to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do if I had already seen the happiness of heaven and hell's torments." (Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards)
Here's a song that talks about how wonderful it will be to finally see Christ, for the first time ever. It's called "Arrived" (by Enfield).
Watching and waiting our whole life through
For the moment when we arrive in glory
We'll be standing before His emerald throne
Oh, what a day it will be
All tears are gone and suffering ceased
Perfect new life, no earthly strife
When we finish the race, run to His embrace
Oh, what a day it will be
When we've arrived, stunned and surprised
All things resolved in the blink of an eye
No more distractions, no sin left to fight
First glimpse of Jesus, and faith becomes sight
Feel the ground shake, hear thunder roll
See lightning strike and seraphim fly
All amazed we will fall, yet the Father will call,
"Stand, I've made you my own."
A choir with angels, martyrs and saints
Singing His praise with no end to the days
Shouting, "Holy! Holy! Holy!" to Almighty God
Oh, what a song that will be
When we've arrived, stunned and surprised
All things resolved in the blink of an eye
No more distractions, no sin left to fight
First glimpse of Jesus…
When we've arrived, stunned and surprised
All things resolved in the blink of an eye
No more distractions, no sin left to fight
First glimpse of Jesus,
First glimpse of Jesus,
First glimpse of Jesus,
And faith becomes sight
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