Paul says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things,” and again, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely … think on these things” (Col. 3:2 & Php.4:8). That is good counsel for a distracted, worried, earthbound people like us. If all you ever think about is what is happening down here, you will get discouraged in a hurry. The Christian learns to lift his thoughts higher.
And here is one of the great thoughts of heaven: you will never come to the end of God.
You will never reach a point in eternity where you say, “Well, I’ve seen all there is to see. I’ve learned all there is to know. I’ve exhausted the grace and mercy of God.” You will never say that, because you never will. The Bible says his greatness is unsearchable (Psa. 145:3). There is no bottom to God.
Paul says in Ephesians that God saved us and raised us up with Christ “so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Psalm 2:7-7). I love that phrase, “in the coming ages.” Not just for a little while. Not just in one shining moment. But forever and ever God will keep showing his children more of his goodness, more of his mercy, more of his kindness.
I was thinking about that in a late night conversation with my brother Dean Barham, whom many of you know. Dean recently went through major heart surgery. He told me that after thirty five years of marriage, he is still discovering wonderful things about his wife. Still learning her. Still finding depth in that relationship. That is one of the joys of love. The deeper the person, the longer the discovery.
Now think about God.
If after thirty-five years of marriage a man can still say, “I’m finding new wonders,” what will it be to know the living God forever? We will never get to the bottom of him. “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psa. 16:11).
So set your mind on heavenly things. With God, the best is always yet to come.
Maranatha,
Jordy
