Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."

What do you think of when you think of heaven? Do you think of streets paved in gold? Maybe St. Peter is at the pearly gates waiting for you? Do you picture restaurants and stores? Houses and gardens? If you were to walk down the streets of Boiling Springs, Inman, Campobello, Landrum, Spartanburg, Gramling, or any of the other local towns, I am sure that you would get responses similar to these. It is a common notion that Heaven is a place where everything is made of the finest materials, and where no one wants for anything. But is it really like that? I am not sure if you are aware or not, but the Bible actually gives us a description of Heaven. Below is a snippet from The Revelation to John:

Revelation 4:1-8 (NRSV) After this I looked, and there in heaven a door stood open! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." 2 At once I was in the spirit, and there in heaven stood a throne, with one seated on the throne! 3 And the one seated there looks like jasper and carnelian, and around the throne is a rainbow that looks like an emerald. 4 Around the throne are twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones are twenty-four elders, dressed in white robes, with golden crowns on their heads. 5 Coming from the throne are flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and in front of the throne burn seven flaming torches, which are the seven spirits of God; 6 and in front of the throne there is something like a sea of glass, like crystal. Around the throne, and on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: 7 the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with a face like a human face, and the fourth living creature like a flying eagle. 8 And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and inside. Day and night without ceasing they sing, "Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come."

What Revelation describes is far from our normal thoughts of streets of Gold, pearly gates, and St. Peter standing there greeting us. Instead, I find it to be amazing and inspirational. Although it sounds very different, and very unusual, it reminds me of the awesome power of God to create a heaven where there is nothing but excitement and wonder. It makes me impatient in a way, because I know that one day I will have the chance to experience God’s awesome power. However, at the same time, I am drawn to help others experience these same feelings. It is our calling as Christians to help spread the good news to others, and to help others develop a relationship with God. If you are interested, I would like to recommend that you read more of the chapters in Revelation that follow these verses. It is not a book that we hear from often on Sunday mornings, but it has some very interesting things in it. As always, if you have any questions about it, feel free to ask, I will answer to the best of my ability.

Other news: The ELCA has re-elected Bishop Mark Hanson for another 6 year term.

In the Hospital this week: Alma Uhrhammer (Regional 444)

A reminder that I will be out of town Wednesday-Tuesday of next week. If a pastoral emergency arises, please call me at 704-798-4280. I will work with you to make necessary arrangements.

God's Peace, Pastor Judson