Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.–Epesians 1:9-10
What a day that will be! Having recently preached on these verses, my heart was stirred as I was reminded that God’s eternal purpose will be fulfilled just as He planned–regardless of how things now appear. Living in the light of that promise brings great comfort to the heart of God’s children. They know the best is yet to come!
Commenting on this truth David Jeremiah wrote: Utopia is a fictional land conceived by Thomas More for his Latin novel, On the Best State in a Republic. This near-perfect society was discovered by a traveler on an island in the Atlantic, and it seemed to possess ideal social, political, and legal structures. It had few laws and no lawyers. Instead of fighting wars, it hired mercenaries. Instead of personal property, everything was held communally. Everyone was free to worship as they wished, and all appeared happy and whole.
But it exists only in fiction.
Ever since Adam and Eve lost their lease on Eden, humanity has been looking for Utopia. But we live in a world blighted by sin, selfishness, death, and destruction.
One day the times will reach fulfillment, Christ will return, the spiritual and physical realms will be merged, the New Earth will appear, the City of God will descend from heaven, and the dwelling place of God will be with men. He will be our God and we will be His people. It won’t be Utopia. It’ll be heaven!
In the truest sense, Christian pilgrims have the best of both worlds. We have joy whenever this world reminds us of the next, and we take solace whenever it does not.–C.S. Lewis
