heaven

A friend of mine went to heaven this morning. As I drove over to see his family, a solitary cloud hung in a brilliant orange summer morning sky. As the rays burst through that cloud, it sprayed blue tinged lines all across the morning. I imagined that he for the first time in many years, is enjoying the feeling of being absolutely free from pain. Physical pain and the pain of missing someone you love. I imagine that he thought, " I am so glad these last few weeks are over with". I imagine that he looked up some friends and family of mine that I asked him to say hello to for me.

How foolish to think that he thought anything other than the overwhelming intoxication of Jesus. Jesus. As if there were anything else of any importance. Jesus. As if he wanted to tear his attention away from what met his eyes........ This is what he saw, according to John, the beloved disciple that is now there with him:

Revelation 4

I was caught up at once in deep worship and, oh!- a Throne set in heaven with One Seated on the Throne, suffused in gem hues of amber and flame with a nimbus of emeralds.

Twenty-four thrones circled the throne, with twenty-four elders seated, white robed, gold crowned. Lightening flash and thunder crash pulsed from the throne. Seven fire -blazing torches fronted the Throne (these are the Sevenfold Spirit of God). Before the throne it was like a clear crystal sea.

Prowling around the throne were Four Animals, all eyes. Eyes to look ahead, eyes to look behind. The first Animal , like a lion, the second like an ox, the third with a human face, the fourth like an eagle in flight. Four Animals were winged, each with six wings. They were all eyes, seeing around and within. And they chanted night and day, never taking a break:

Holy, holy, holy

Is God our Master, Sovereign-Strong,

The Was, The Is, The Coming.

Welcome home friend!