Weekly Thoughts
#3 Mysteries, 12/20/08
Hi all,
From last week you will recall what our son, Ch ris, said when he came crawling down the hall one morning: "Know what Jesus told me? Jesus told me he's going to walk through the mountains with me!"
I closed saying that Barb and I would like to tag along on that walk. But I feel if I just left you with that, I wouldn't be giving the fullness of what I was supposed to share, because that's not the end of the story.
The rest of the story
The rest of the story is this: Much later I asked the Lord if Barb and I could tag along with him as he walked with Chris and he replied: "No, you won't be allowed to follow us; it's a private time." I asked why and he said; "Because that's when I'm gong to explain to Chris everything that happened in his life and why, and it's between us."
I felt ashamed for presuming so much, so selfishly assuming Barb and I could just follow along within overhearing distance - I was cut to the core, greatly humbled, and reduced to choking back tears over the Lord's graciousness to Chris when I told Barb about it later.
Never had I considered that the walk through the mountains he told Chris about was a future appointment to explain everything he has been through in this life!
Jesus said in Revelation 3:4-5 "...and they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy. He that overcomes will be clothed in white clothing..."
Jesus never changes. After his resurrection he appeared to his cousin Cleopas and another man, walking about 5 miles or so, during which he explained everything that had happened that week. (Luke 24:18/John 19:25)
He likes to walk and talk and explain, which if you think about it, is much of what he did for 3 1/2 years with the disciples. I know that many of us have some of our closest times with the Lord in this manner. (That's part of what I enjoy, finding what he likes and molding myself to those likes, like walking and talking)
The white stones
Each of us have mysteries about which we have said or thought something like; "When I get to heaven I want to ask God why he let _______ happen!"
The truth is, that kind of revelation may actually take place for each of us.
In Revelation 2:17 Jesus states: "To him that overcomes I will...give him a white stone, and in that stone a new name written, which no one knows except he who receives it."
What does a white stone given to us by Jesus mean? "In ancient times a host's appreciation of a special guest was indicated by a white stone with their name or a message written on it. Also, white stones such as these were used in the courts to signify acquittal, while a black stone indicated condemnation." (Vine)
This stone will be a gift with a secret name known only by the Lord and each person, reflecting our Lord's welcome to us and appreciation for us (can you imagine?) and meant to be kept personal and private.
I should note that the word "stone" here is not a mere worthless rock plucked from the wayside; rather it is "psephos" - a smooth stone, worn smooth as by polishing. (psao means 'to rub') We are living stones, polished as we walk with Him through life, and we will receive that gift as a representation of that process one day.
The mysteries of life
We assume once we get to heaven suddenly all the answers will come instantaeneously, and with those explanations we will respond in a sort of reflective, "Oh, that's why" as we go about our business in eternity.
But perhaps instead, we will each have a time with the Lord who will explain in detail the unanswered questions of our lives. Names in ancient times, as now, reflect thought about the nature or destiny of a person, and our new name will be engraved into a white stone. To have something so intimate and private given by the Lord to us, strongly implies secrets, trials, tribulations, and triumphs known only to us and our Lord; a lifetime of experiences in Christ represented by and culminating in, that new and secret name.
We are told twice in Revelation that God the Father himself will wipe away our tears, the second instance being after the final judgement and the creation of a new earth: "And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there will be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither will there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away." (21:4)
God is wiping those tears away IN HEAVEN. We will get those explanations, perhaps during a walk with Jesus, and some of those memories may cause a flood of emotions accompanying that ultimate inner healing; the Father Himself wiping away our tears!
Another vision
One day I was ministering in one of our affiliate house churches and I suddenly saw an angel standing next to a lady who had lost her husband about a year earlier.
At the same time I saw him, he raised his hand to point to a window in the air in the living room, on which a scene was being played out like I was looking through a window into heaven. Two men were walking away from me, and on their left was the River of Life which was flowing in my direction. One man was older, the other younger who I recognized as the man who had died, and they were walking through thick grass, about 12"/33 cm. or so high.
I asked what I was looking at and he said the man who had died nearly a year earlier and his father were "talking things over." I asked what they were talking about and he said "It's none of your business, but I can share that his father is explaining to him things that happened when he was younger, and they're talking it out." There was more to it, but that's what's relevant here.
When we get to heaven, as we can see in scripture, our memories remain intact, and with amply opportunity to visit with the Lord and people we know, how wonderful it will be in that safe setting to share views, offer explanations, and talk through events in this life much as Jesus cleared the confusion away for Cleopas and his friend that resurrection day.
Deuteronomy 29:29 is one of my favorites: "The secret things belong to the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law."
There are secret things, but some of them will be revealed later - some may cause tears, some will reveal a new name indicative of your life or destiny - but the mysteries of life will be revealed!
Several times over the years Chris has said to us; "When I get to heaven there's no more wheelchair!" I think he looks forward to being able to walk with the Lord purely for walking's sake, and of course for an explanation about his life, and in that respect, we are all equal.
Blessings,
John Fenn
