The Rock Church

Longing for Our Heavenly Home

“Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:16 NIV84)

Mary and I recently returned from a delightful vacation in one of our favorite places — Boothbay Harbor, Maine. We had a fantastic time; however, I must admit, the many lobsters I enjoyed didn’t have the same fate!

Over the years, Mary and I have played a fun game: “If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?” More often than not, our answer is the same — “In Maine on Witch’s Island.”

This may sound strange but just look at the picture above. It shows a beautiful home on a small island off the coast of Boothbay. The island belongs to the family of Margaret Hamilton, the actress known for playing the Wicked Witch of the West in the beloved film “The Wizard of Oz.” Her son now owns the island and lives just 300 yards away on the mainland.

For us, the idea of spending time on Witch’s Island represents peace, warmth, and relaxation. Not only that, but also sitting by a cozy fire, enjoying good books, and listening to waves crash against the rocky shore. Along with that, there’s the delicious lobster for me (sadly, Mary is definitely not a lobster fan). This longing to experience that beautiful house on the Maine coast reminds me of what Heaven will be like.

Heaven Waits For Us

The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 2:9, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” Amen! Heaven is going to be unquestionably incredible. But for now, our reality can be far from that peaceful ocean view.

As C.S. Lewis wrote in his classic book, “Mere Christianity”, “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”

Without a doubt, God designed us for a glorious new world! This life can only (and always) bring us temporary happiness and limited satisfaction. By contrast, God has so much more in store for us. Heaven awaits us — true contentment forever.

So, I ask you—are you looking forward to Heaven? When I finally get there, you can naturally find me enjoying lobster and spending time with Jesus on Witch’s Island. Come by for a visit!

Longing for our heavenly home,

Bill

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Gain

I gained encouragement during some interactions I’ve had with my oncologist. I will share it with you in the hope that you will be encouraged as well.

My oncologist has helped me with my ongoing cancer challenges and was at the helm through my sweet wife Jeanne’s battle with cancer. Back then, we used to joke with him that we were his two-for-one clients. I often thank him for his tireless attention to his cancer patients. He genuinely cares for me and my family. Consequently (and like all of us), he was especially burdened when Jeanne lost her battle with cancer.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church