Heaven's Paradise
03 September, 2014
Strawberry daiquiri in a coconut; smooth, white sand; tall, overhanging palm tree’s; a bright blue ocean... island life is a breeze. Through childhood, my family and I packed up, left the States, and jetted off on a Caribbean getaways annually. We’d leave our worries behind, packing magazines, earphones, and bathing suits, excited about a week of being seriously unserious.
What if you were to spend time on an island? Pretty gnarly, right? After all, we could all use a week of pampering! Maybe you’d splurge on a hot stone massage at a spa, hit local boutiques for trendy bikini’s, or grab some mango sorbet at a cute parlor. Maybe you’d rent a jet ski, parasail over the water, or take a surf lesson. There’s hardly a shortage of activities on the islands. With luxurious resorts offering endless amenities and restaurants to satisfy every palette, it’s hard not to have a good time.
In Revelation 1:9, John explains he was banished to the island of Patmos for his faith in Jesus. Not bad, right? A time of recharging, laying in a hammock, and a drink in hand sounds pretty nice, eh? Hardly. Our idea of island time is relaxing and beautiful, but 2,000 yeas ago, things were different. John was cold, alone, and ultimately executed on the island in a horrific way, yet there’s no doubt he held faith while enduring all hardships. He gladly went to the miserable island, knowing soon he’d be somewhere far greater: the island of Heaven.
Revelation promises streets made of pure gold, as well as a shiny, clear sea sparkling like crystal. There’ll be jasper and carnelian gemstones and pearls and jewels galore. John couldn’t fathom the luxuries and splendor awaiting him, knowing nothing anyone said or did would change his ultimate, eternal inheritance.
Having lived in Malibu the last three years, I knew I was living in one of the most beautiful locations in the world. I had to pinch myself every day knowing how blessed I was, living in such a gorgeous place. Yet, many of the rich and famous I bumped shoulders with seemed constantly down and miserable. Although they had everything, they felt they had nothing. They spend upwards of $20,000 a night on retreats like Necker Island or St. Bart’s, yet they leave feeling just as empty as before. Their hope is in this world, not in the next. They don’t understand the glories awaiting those who believe in Jesus and don’t see how Heaven’s paradise puts Earth to shame. I have yet to find an island bug free with constant sunshine and golden roads and a crystal sea, but I know I’ll see one the second I hit Heaven.
John was exiled to Patmos because he refused to stop preaching the Good News. Many Americans don’t face persecution to this extent, yet sometimes it’s still not easy to share God’s Word with others. America has a “don’t ask, don’t tell” mindset with religion, and many lack the courage to boldly step out with confidence. Feeling personally convicted, I have to ask myself: if I hesitate to share God’s Word during easy times, how will I do during times of persecution?
