Question of the Week: What Purpose Earth?

Artwork: "Stairway to Heaven" by Jonathan Allen Cummings

Once we are saved from Hell and know about the joy waiting in Heaven, why would we want to remain on Earth?
~ follow up to last two posts on how a Christian never dies and what happens to us after death (April 29 and May 6)

To those with relatively trouble-free lives here on Earth, the above question may sound ridiculous—the knowledge that Heaven awaits is no reason to hasten our departure. Young people seem particularly un-impatient for the rapture, hoping to first experience this life's promise.

But those who have seen trouble aplenty are more likely to struggle with a reason to engage in this world's life rather than endure it. The Bible has numerous examples of suffering saints who questioned a reason to live.

The answer comes by asking a more difficult question, of whether we are self-centered or God-centered in defining our purpose. It's not a question of whether or not we love God, but if we love Him enough to live for Him rather than for ourselves—both now and in the next life.

The remainder of my answer appears at Bullets & Butterflies.

: : :

Beginning next week: What is the Kingdom of God, how do I get there, and how do I know it when I see it?

What questions do you have about Christianity or the Bible? You're invited to leave them in the comments below (anonymous questions welcome), or email buildingHisbody [plus] @ gmail.com.

© 2011 Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Question of the Week: What Motivates God?

"The Kiss"
V-J Day, August 14, 1945, Times Square

photo credit: Alfred Eisenstaedt, Life Magazine

"We measure the worth of a treasure
by what we will gladly give up in order to have it."
~ John Piper

"Why did God create things the way He did, knowing what we'd turn into?"
~ Wendy Paine Miller

This could also be asked as, "Why did God put both Himself and us through all this grief?" Behind the above question, might we even infer The Question:

"Why does a good God allow suffering?"

An answer to that was offered in the post "Why Suffering?" So let's take another angle and answer, "Can we understand what motivates God?"


The remainder of my answer appears at Bullets & Butterflies.

: : :

What questions do you have about Christianity or the Bible? You're invited to leave them in the comments below (anonymous questions welcome), or email buildingHisbody [plus] @ gmail.com.

© 2011 Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

First Light

[Note: It's been a year since I did daily posts. I sense the time has come to do so again. See my blog sidebar for the planned schedule. ~ Anne]

~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~

God said, "Let there be light" ... And God saw the light, that it was good... So the evening and the morning were the first day.
~ Genesis 1:3-5 (NKJV)

Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth ... So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
~ Genesis 1:16-17,19 (NKJV)

First light was created on the first day.
The earth was created on the third day.
Light for the earth was created on the fourth day.

It stands to reason that our eyes have not yet beheld first light.

But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."
~ 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)

I cannot begin to imagine the glory of first light.

Thank You, Lord, for all the surprises You've laid up for us.

Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments, or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Forgotten Not, Part II

"Tattoo: an expensive and painful way to guarantee

the police can make a positive identification."

~ @Daffynitions

Forgotten Not, Part II

A Psalm of David.
How long, O LORD?
Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
~ Psalms 13:1 (NKJV)

"Can a woman forget her nursing child,
And not have compassion on the son of her womb?
Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands."
~ Isaiah 49:15-16 (NKJV)

David's cry to the Lord is one readily understood. Which one of us has not been in a place of waiting on God with the thought, "How long, O Lord?" Though the mind knows God does not forget us, the heart sobs, "how long will You hide?"

Isaiah depicts a tender picture, of a woman and nursing babe. The Lord says even if a mother puts a baby from her mind—perhaps while he sleeps and she is about other things—we are forgotten not. He puts us where we are ever before Him, where He cannot forget us even momentarily, on His hands. We are not merely held there, we are permanently inscribed, as a tattoo might be.

Or as scars might be engraved with nails.

The wounds of Jesus were still evident in His resurrection body. Since our resurrection bodies are restored, they will be surely healed of the traumas inflicted. Martyrs burned and mutilated for their testimony will again be whole. Yet I think perhaps they may still bear scars of wounds willingly accepted in their love for God—just as Jesus kept upon His hands the graven reminder of His love for us, though they identified Him as a crucified criminal.

A tattoo is a means of permantent and positive identification for a person's cause on earth, considered beautiful by its owner. I cannot think that our scars would be anything less than beauty marks in Heaven.

From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
~ Galatians 6:17 (NKJV)

Lord Jesus, we bear many kinds of wounds and scars for righteousness, if not upon our bodies then upon our hearts. Please keep us mindful of Your willful action to engrave us upon Your hands. Please make us willing to suffer without resentment.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
#suffering
Image source: flickr.com

Heavenly Places

"Love is that condition in which
another's happiness is essential to your own."
~ Robert Heimlich

Heavenly Places

Who is like the LORD our God,
Who dwells on high,
Who humbles Himself to behold
The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?
He raises the poor out of the dust,
And lifts the needy out of the ash heap,
That He may seat him with princes.
~ Psalms 113:5-8 (NKJV)

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us ... made us alive together with Christ ... and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
~ Ephesians 2:4-6 (NKJV)

We sing songs of amazing grace and amazing love. We are rightly awed that Almighty God, the Maker of the universe, should have humbled Himself so much that He put on human flesh, knelt before mortals to wash their feet, then submitted Himself to a horrific death on our behalf.

The psalmist says the Lord humbles Himself to even look upon His creation. The Hebrew verb for humble, shâphêl, means to be brought low, to sink down, to be humiliated. The greatness of God, far above and beyond human comprehension, stoops low to simply be able to see and hear us. (Our corruption and lowliness is that bad.)

Then He does the unthinkable. Having stooped down to us, He raises us up to sit with Him. He seats us in the heavenly places, together with His Son, the Prince of Peace and King of kings.

Have you given yourself to Jesus Christ? Understand how low you have been. Understand how high you have been raised.

And never, ever doubt His love and favor for you.

Lord, how can You do so much for us and ask only our love in return? How can we ever love You enough?

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from comment.myspace.com

Ever Over, Into and Under

"Community. A rhythm. A beat. A pulse. A flowing river
connecting you to him and her and them and us to you
and back again flowing ever onward.
Ever forward. Ever over, into and under."
~ Louise Gallagher, Recover Your Joy

Ever Over, Into and Under

"I [pray] ... that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one."
~ John 17:20-23 (NKJV)

I'd never been part of a big church. It didn't even occur to me that I'd want to. Two years ago this month, the Lord blessed our family extraordinarily when He brought us to experience small church love in a fairly large church (around 500 people gather on Sunday mornings).

Among dozens of things I love about my church is that Sunday worship feels like a taste of heaven. The semi-circle layout enables us to see one another. Praise and worship are given prominence and excellence from orchestra, choir and praise leaders.

The Lord is exalted.

And if I close my eyes during certain songs, I can imagine I'm in Heaven singing with the hosts of angels. Because this is what Heaven will be like: a river of love flowing through people connected to one another through the blood of Jesus, united to our God, Him in us and us in Him, in glorified bodies, hearts beating together with one pulse in songs of praise, "ever over, into and under."

See you there—whether you're part of those I see today, or those I see on that Day.

Almighty God, Lord of Heaven and Earth, You are high and lifted up above all Your creation. May it be our highest privilege, greatest pleasure, and deepest passion to bring all wisdom and majesty and power and glory unto Your holy name—in this age, and for all eternity. Maranatha! Come quickly, Lord! Come soon!

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from 268generation.com

FRIEND (Prologue)

"A dreamer is one who can find his way by moonlight,
and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world."
~ Oscar Wilde

If all went according to plan, one of my best friends and I spent Wednesday evening on a plane to Denver. Then yesterday morning well before dawn, Gwen Stewart and I listened to elk bugling before we traversed Trail Ridge Road, the highest through roadway on the continent at 12,183 feet above sea level, and my old stomping grounds.

I love dizzying heights and Gwen is deathly afraid of them—the difference between a frequent-flier Colorado native bred in the low oxygen environment of high altitude, and a lowlander who lives near a manmade "ski area" called Mt. Holly with a elevation drop of 350 feet—less than half the height of a Denver skyscraper. (Don’t even get me started on that.)

But Gwen has placed her Trust in God (and my mountain driving). If you're reading these words, yesterday went too long for me to tell you about it in time for today's post. You’re getting a pre-scheduled message I wrote several days ago, while I was still only dreaming of the thrilling wonders I could hardly wait to share with Gwen.

Or, perhaps Gwen’s fear proved valid, and we’ll see you all when you join us in heaven.

Either way, the next two days’ posts are already in the queue. Stop back tomorrow! :D

Contrasting points-of-view (from fans of Mt. Holly), questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.

Attiyq Yomim / Ancient of Days

For July, each post examines an Old Testament name of God.

Attiyq Yomim / Ancient of Days
(pronounced: "at-TEEK yah-MEEM")

"And the Ancient of Days was seated;
His garment was white as snow,
And the hair of His head was like pure wool.
His throne was a fiery flame,
Its wheels a burning fire ...
And behold, One like the Son of Man,
Coming with the clouds of heaven!
He came to the Ancient of Days,
And they brought Him near before Him.
Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,
That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him."
Daniel 7:9,13-14 (NKJV)

Although the word "Trinity" appears nowhere in Scripture, examples of God's plurality abound.

Here is a striking Old Testament example. There is no question that the Ancient of Days is God. His antiquity goes to the beginning of days—the beginning of time itself. There is some indication that in heaven time may not exist, but that days are numbered only in the realm of earth, where varying peoples, nations, and languages dwell.

Daniel's description of God's throne in the realm of heaven closely resembles John's description in Revelation 4-5. And as in Revelation, God is both on the throne and is the One approaching the throne to receive it, for only He Who is God may possess the throne of dominion and glory which receives worship.

This One coming before the throne is described "One like the Son of Man." Although Son of Man was a favorite title Jesus often used for Himself, this is the only time that name appears in the Old Testament. A human is clearly a son of man and is not titled as such. Only the Son of God needs to be distinguished as the Son of Man. The Son's divine attributes are so far above His human attributes, it is as if Jesus must emphasize His humanity.

And so we have a view of Father and Son, of divinity and humanity, of heaven and earth, of antiquity from the beginning of days, and perhaps perpetuity where time does not exist.

The beautiful contrasts in the plurality of God make Him Who He is.

ANCIENT OF DAYS by Gary Sadler and Jamie Harvill
(© Integrity's Hosanna Music, Integrity's Praise Music)

Blessing and honor
Glory and power
Be unto the Ancient of Days
From every nation
All of creation
Bow before the Ancient of Days
Every tongue in heaven and earth
Shall declare Your glory
Every knee will bow at Your throne
In worship
You will be exalted, oh God
And Your kingdom will not pass away
Oh, Ancient of Days.
Your kingdom shall reign over all the earth
Sing unto the Ancient of Days
For none can compare to Your matchless worth
Sing to the Ancient of Days.

Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Heaven on Earth

Oh, sing to the LORD a new song!
For He has done marvelous things;
His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.
The LORD has made known His salvation;
His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations...
Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth;
Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises...
Let the sea roar, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell in it;
Let the rivers clap their hands;
Let the hills be joyful together before the LORD.
~ Psalm 98 (NKJV)

"Dance like nobody's watching,
love like you've never been hurt,
sing like nobody's listening,
live like it's Heaven on Earth." — Mark Twain

Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation,nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you."
~ Luke 17:20-21 (NIV)

Rejoice always.
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NKJV)

The praise party that heaven will be occurs every Sunday morning at my church. Orchestra and choir are led to start the celebration with worhip in spirit and truth, God's Word is spoken faithfully, love among the saints is shared and expressed. It's a taste of heaven on earth I look forward to all week.

Psalm 98 says YHWH has made His salvation known and revealed His righteousness (past tense). Jesus said the kingdom isn't something to wait for, but something that exists within us already.

Though we wait for the day Jesus will reign visibly on earth, the kingdom He has established in our hearts is also to be perceivable—manifest in the fruit of the Spirit, and visible to the nations because we rejoice always.

Sunday morning is just the practice session for eternity and a warm-up for the other six days.

Father in Heaven, the Majesty on High and Ancient of Days, we fall before Your throne to worship in spirit and truth. Jesus, our King of Kings, Lord of Lords and Beloved Bridegroom, we praise You and say, "Come quickly!" Spirit who is our Counselor, Comforter and Keeper, fill us with the light which reveals heaven on earth.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Pilgrimage

Blessed are those who dwell in Your house;
They will still be praising You.
Selah
Blessed is the man whose strength is in You,
Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.
~ Psalms 84:4-5 (NKJV)

"His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' "
~ Matthew 25:23 (NKJV)

From 24-years-ago Colorado, vacations were 150-250 miles per day on two-lanes for a couple of leisurely weeks to enjoy vistas as far north and west as Jasper and Vancouver. From Michigan, vacation is now 1300 freeway miles in 24 hours before enjoying a lively two-week visit in Colorado—or a quick skip by plane or car for a whirlwind long-weekend.

Clichés abound about life being a journey not a destination. Yet we still allow packed-to-the-brim days to deny us appreciation for the pilgrimage of life. Our eternal destination lies in one of two places. How we journey there is a test to determine eternal destiny.

Kingdom life will one day be a glorious and leisurely pleasure of praise amid people we love in a place to exceed any earthly locale. For now the kingdom is a pilgrimage, often to unexpected places. Wherever life takes us, before our eyes is a panorama of opportunities to seek God, love people, and appreciate the experience.

Good Shepherd, You lead us to green pasture and beside still waters. You carry us through the land that is plentiful and the desert place, and show us the beauty in each. Open our eyes to see the beauty and goodness You wait to reveal in even our lowest hours.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Not Willing to Come

For it is not an enemy who reproaches me;
Then I could bear it.
Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me;
Then I could hide from him.
But it was you, a man my equal,
My companion and my acquaintance.
(Psalms 55:12-13 NKJV)

"The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.... But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them." (Matthew 22:2-6 NKJV)

"As I live," says the Lord GOD, "I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways!" (Ezekiel 33:11 NKJV)

Even when King David had to flee for his life from his son Absalom—who attempted to hunt down and kill his father, who violated his father's wives as a sign of his utmost contempt—David could not bear to see Absalom destroyed, so great was the love of a father for his son.

Many argue that if God is truly loving, there cannot be a hell, for He would condemn no one there whom He loves. God's Word assures us that He takes no pleasure in condemnation, but simply gives a person over to what they themselves have chosen: existence apart from God.

God loves even the wicked enough that He does not force those not willing to come to Him to love Him or live with Him. No one shall be dragged into heaven. Heaven could not be heaven if filled with those who are enemies of God.

Heavenly Father, how great Your pain must be for all those You've loved who would have nothing to do with You. Please work in our hearts to make our love all the greater for You. Let our love and praise be pleasing to You. Show us how to pray for those who do not love You.

Feedback may be posted to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mailed to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

View of Zion

Beautiful in elevation,
The joy of the whole earth,
Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north,
The city of the great King.
God is in her palaces;
He is known as her refuge. ...
Let Mount Zion rejoice ...
For this is God,
Our God forever and ever;
He will be our guide
Even to death.
(Psalms 48:2-3,11,14 NKJV)

"I spread My wing over you ... I swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine," says the Lord GOD.
(Ezekiel 16:8 NKJV)

Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation 21:2 NKJV)

The site of Golgatha where Jesus was crucified is placed north of Jerusalem. Looking toward the south, one would see the north sides of (from left to right) the Mount of Olives (where Jesus will return), Mount Moriah (the temple mount), and Mount Zion (symbol of the heavenly Jerusalem).

It is likely that this is what Jesus looked upon as He died—"Mount Zion on the sides of the north"—representing His bride, the city of New Jerusalem He will inhabit, for whom He was giving His life’s blood. In His eyes, the view of Zion is beautiful.

Beloved Bridegroom, thank You for the great price You paid to set us apart to Yourself as Your precious and beautiful bride. Help us remember how much You love us, that we might deeply love You.

Comments are invited! Post here, or e-mail via profile page.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Talent Test

"His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ " (Matthew 25:21 NKJV)

"When the Son of Man comes in His glory . . . the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."
(Matthew 25:31,34 NKJV)

Each brief day on Earth is a test with eternal implications. All who are Christ’s will receive eternal life. Scripture reveals that believers will also be judged and rewarded according to their use of the talents and gifts entrusted to them. A good many will enter Heaven with fire licking at the seat of their pants (1 Corinthians 3:11-15), with nothing to show for their days on earth. Surely one of Heaven’s greatest rewards is if I hear the words from my beloved Lord, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

My Lord, thank You for the abundance with which You’ve blessed me. Please give me wisdom and courage to do with it as pleases You—as brings glory to Your name.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Eternal Investments

"Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:20-21 NKJV)

Investments in the future require present sacrifice—something I’d have now must be forfeited for future reward. The sacrifice is soon forgotten, any discomfort further diminished by focus on a specific goal of saving.

Prayer stands out among numerous eternal investments with present dividends. Seeing God’s hand move in response to prayer is cause for rejoicing and thanksgiving. A payoff waiting in Heaven is discovery of how fully prayers were answered.

Almighty God, You are so merciful to hear us and act on our behalf. Thank You for all the ways I’m privileged to share in Your work through prayer. Please conform my prayers to Your will.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Heaven on Earth

O [Yahweh], our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens! . . . What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? (Psalm 8:1,4 NKJV)

Sunday morning is my favorite time of the week. The closest I get to heaven is shutting out the rest of the world, surrounding myself with the Lord’s people, and exalting God with my voice. Psalm 22:3 says God is enthroned [sits down, abides] in the praises of His people. When I express with the strength of my voice the love for my God in my heart, soul, and mind, His presence is a touch that makes me tremble. Isn’t all this eternity’s pleasure? Can any other pleasure of Earth compare?

Oh Lord, thank You that I will see the day when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Your eminence. Thank You for a taste of it now.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Heaven Revealed

But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. ... But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:9-10,14 NKJV)

Eternal life does not begin when I go to Heaven. Eternal life began when I became Christ’s and was made a citizen of Heaven. Rights of citizenship became mine immediately, even while still I tread the foreign soil with which I am more familiar. Here is the battle of the mind: will I live as if I belong to the world I visit, or will I live as if I possess eternal life and know my true home? My home need not be an unfamiliar place, for "God has revealed" these things — He has already shown me what I cannot see as a natural man, and what I cannot help but see as I walk closely with Him.

My God, how good You are to not make me wait as long as I think I do.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy