…Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3: 20-21
“Summertime, and the livin’ is easy.”
School is out, Fourth of July is over, and families travel here and there to many places around the neighborhood or around the globe. Vacation time means different things to different people. Some have a “bucket list” of where they want to go such as: the beach; mountain getaways; hiking trails; national parks; immersive educational venues; research destinations for their roots; sports events; amusement parks; international travel; family reunions; mission trips; a visit to every state in the USA; a “staycation” to just relax at home. The list could go on and on. Yours may be different from mine, but we all have these dreams or plans to get away from the regular routines of work and daily schedules.
[ii]
I have hoped to see parts of our country I’ve never seen before, visit family I haven’t seen in years, go on a mission trip, or travel to places where my ancient ancestors lived. The older I get, however, the less likely I will complete my bucket list. I have learned to live today and live it well and not fantasize about what may or may never occur. I will “staycation” this summer. Maybe this fall …
Better, I look forward to the Ultimate Staycation, a continual time of joy and peace with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Yes, my true citizenship is in heaven, and whether He returns for His Church first or takes me home beforehand, I anticipate the eternal staycation in my transformed body.
The fourth verse of a beautiful hymn written by Phillip Doddridge three-hundred years ago expresses my sentiments:
O spread thy covering wings around,
till all our wandering cease,
and at our Father’s loved abode
our souls arrive in peace.[iii]
Indeed, if we focus upon all our passions, purposes, and pursuits being spent on immediate pleasures, once the dopamine hit is over, do we not yearn for more? In the scheme of eternity, can I find a greater satisfaction than a temporary jolt of pleasure? Can I not be satisfied with the Holy Spirit’s presence—”His covering wings around”—to bring me to my ultimate staycation?
But … You may say, “I live in the here and now. Life is hard, and I get so tired. How can I think about heaven, when life and time are on top of me?” I need a vacation now! Absolutely … and there is nothing wrong with getting away for a time of r & r and fun.
The scriptures do urge us to rest—to have a balanced rhythm to our lives.
- The fourth commandment states:
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. Exodus 20: 8-10
- The sabbath rest started with God. Following creation He gave humans the model to rest:
And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. Genesis 2:2-3
- Jesus invites us to let Him take our burdens:
“ Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
- And yes, Jesus and his disciples took a vacation!
And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
Mark 6: 31
While earth bound we need rest, yet part of that rest is an anticipation of the return of Christ when we will be with Him forever and ever. Indeed, we see the ultimate future as though in a dream.
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 1 Corinthians 13: 12
Is there a means to fulfillment of peace on earth? Is there a process whereby we may have joy that lasts beyond the pleasure of the moment? How can our trudge along the daily path’s transient satisfaction or the drudge of life’s commitments not make us yearn for good times and relief in the here and now? How can we focus on what we believe on an intellectual level but can’t see now? We need to focus on the “Now, but not yet.” As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have an active part in the Kingdom of God, while at the same time His Kingdom will not reach the ultimate until the return of the King. We are already in the Kingdom, but we do not yet see its fulfillment and glory.[iv] As we focus on the already, but not yet, we must immerse ourselves in God’s word and fellowship among fellow travelers to our ultimate staycation. The key to our satisfaction includes: our regular worship with God’s family; studying—learning the Bible; singing the hymns of the faith; spending time talking to and listening to our Lord and Savior in meditation and prayer; looking for the blessed hope …
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Titus 2: 11-13
[v]Vacations and entertainments are good. We are not wrong in our enjoyment of such times of refreshment. God has created a beautiful world for our enjoyment and for our good. We are to enjoy the times of refreshment while we keep our eye on the sky for His return. Let’s join together in the journey to the Ultimate Staycation where we will enjoy His presence throughout eternity. No dopamine hit needed!
Challenge:
Assess your priorities: the immediate or the ultimate? If you are uncertain if you are ready for the “Not yet,” put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as your sole means of redemption and the escape of eternal separation from God and His blessing.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I long to stay with you in your eternal presence, but until then, help me focus on the “Not yet,” as a means to joy and peace shaped to last beyond the moment. May I, at the same time, enjoy the momentary pleasures You graciously give me in my mundane walk this side of the dim mirror. In your name, Amen.
Promise:
“Behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Jesus
Revelation 22: 7
Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4: 17
[i] Stock image
[ii] This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC
[iii] “O God of Bethel,” Phillip Doddridge, 1702-1751
[iv] What is the concept of “already but not yet”? | GotQuestions.org
[v] This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
