Contemplations Of The King

Contemplations of the King

We make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

— 2 Corinthians 5:9

My girlfriend arrived to get me up and ready for the day. It had been a rough night — sleeplessness, and stabbing, razor-sharp pain in my neck and shoulders. When I told her about it, she sighed and said, “Joni . . . I’ll bet you just can’t wait for heaven.” As she brushed my hair, I sat and dreamed about what I’ve dreamed of a thousand times: my eternal home, just over the near horizon.

I have to be careful when I speak this way. Some people look at my wheelchair, hear my enthusiasm for heaven, and conclude that it’s a death wish. Now it’s true, when I was first injured, I only viewed heaven as a place where I could get back what I had lost. I would receive hands that worked and feet that walked and even danced. For me, it wasn’t “the Day of Christ,” it would be “the Day of Joni.”

My attitude changed as I studied the Scriptures. I realized that heaven was mainly focused on Jesus, not me. It would be his coronation day, not mine. I also began to understand that every fringe benefit of heaven — whether receiving my new body, a new home, new friends, whatever — really centered around the culmination of Christ’s purposes and his kingdom.

Someday, not so very long from now, we will see the King of Kings in all his radiant beauty — as surely as you will see your pastor on Sunday, the lady at the drive-up coffee window, or your doctor at next Tuesday’s appointment. Take a few minutes to read Revelation 1:12 – 18, and 19:11 – 16, and let your mind dwell on the coming of the Mighty One and his great triumph over every enemy.

Lord Jesus, you once were the humble carpenter, the Healer, and the Friend of sinners. Now Lord, you rule at your Father’s right hand in unimaginable splendor. I bow before you right now and acknowledge you as Lord and King.