On the night before He
died, the Lord Jesus said,
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“I will not drink the fruit of the vine
again
until I drink it anew
with you
in My Father’s kingdom”
(Matt. 26:29). |
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Food and drink must
therefore have their place
in that utterly grace-filled sphere
that You have prepared for the redeemed human race
where God-belovèd animals will lie down
at peace with each other and at ease with us.
leaving us free to enjoy whatever rewards and
commissions
the Lord may choose to apportion
as He ushers in the new heaven and the new earth.
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When souls saved by Christ fall asleep
they emerge from the tent of their bodies
and enter the realm of Paradise:
a place of parkland rest and refreshment,
of blissful reunions with those in Christ
whom we have loved,
and with those who persevered beyond their
trials
to the infinitely better resurrection
beyond.
(Heb. 11:35,38)
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Let’s not
end the story
at what may prove to be but the end of the
beginning:
the call of God will appoint the meek
to return with Christ
to reign and rule on Earth.
This is our ultimate calling,
and how we respond in life
will determine our fitness for service
there,
where Beauty personified renews the earth in
glory,
and so fulfils the prophecies of old.
(Hab. 2:14)
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