That's How We Snip the Day Away

 

During devotions this morning, we had an interesting discussion. The topic was Five Reasons Death is Gain from the daily devotion of John Piper. One of the points was that “We will experience a deep at-homeness,” citing 2 Corinthians 5:8. “Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”

Considering this, I drew a comparison with the Wizard of Oz. In Kansas, things seemed a little bleak, with plain black and white film and farm chores. However, the overall theme of the story was “there’s no place like home.” I feel that to be important. There truly is no place like home. Our home in heaven, where we shall sin no more, nor be affected by our failures any longer. I long for that.

In my comparison, I stated that the world can be compared to Oz. Filled with bright colors and astounding, amazing things. Talking lions, scarecrows and tin men! Munchkins! A land filled with creatures and events which are distracting in the extreme. It is so easy to get carried away with activities in our lives. I considered that to be similar to where we are now. Life is surrounded by... illusions... flashing lights... misdirections... profound feints and slight of hand, it seems. Luxury, pleasure, lies and plastic all call out to us. All lies. All leading up the broad way, the easy path, the road of perdition. We are surrounded by electronic media, talking heads, celebrity causes de jure, sports idols and politicians who speak as though the tiniest deviation from their perspective is the greatest sin. We cruise through life in our carriages of metal and glass, comforted by air conditioners, heated seats, our favorite music and cruise control.

Dave, a friend of mine, said that even Dorothy was misdirected in her adventure, getting sent to obtain the Wicked Witch of the West's broomstick, when she had the power to go home all along. And then, the "wonderful" Wizard of Oz was merely sending them all off on a wild goose chase to get killed. That is one messed up deal. 

A good friend, Zenia, saw things differently, which I thought was valuable. Like the verse in which we now see things through a glass darkly, but then face to face, she compared the black and white world to where we are now, but heaven like a place where we shall see color for the first time. Where ideas beyond our ken become reality. I can see that comparison as well, and it is a good one.

Regardless, we should invest our time and our concern in spiritual things; in understanding and knowing Christ. His perfect and complete work on our behalf, at great cost, on the cross, in purchasing our salvation. All we have to do is believe. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

I’ll post the link to the study in the comments. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHsSssWOiWs