Thursday, February 9, 2023

“That Nature is a Heraclitean Fire and of the Comfort of the Resurrection”

by Gerard Manley Hopkins

A beacon, an eternal beam. | Flesh fade, and mortal trash

Fall to the residuary worm; | world's wildfire, leave but ash:

In a flash, at a trumpet crash,

I am all at once what Christ is, | since he was what I am, and

This Jack, joke, poor potsherd, | patch, matchwood, immortal diamond,

Is immortal diamond.

This poem reminds me of the chaos all around us in the natural world. Our imperfect world and language are hopelessly insufficient to describe something as perfect and everlasting as heaven. The immortal is like a diamond—something lasting and precious to the eye. I don’t think the poem needs to be fully understood because it is literally impossible to imagine the beauty that heaven offers.

In the book of Revelation, one of Jesus’ disciples, John, has a vision of heaven. He paints a picture comparing it to a treasure of jewels, which must have inspired Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poem.

Revelation 21:18-21
18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. 19 The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid with twelve precious stones: the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass.

I’ve had moments when I’ve struggled to put into words the awe-inspiring things I’ve seen and experienced—a sunset, visiting a new place, strong emotions. Even though I can’t always describe it with words, it feels like a glimpse of heaven. Like God was right there with me. Just think—if our imperfect world can be so beautiful at times, imagine the beauty God has in store for our eternity in heaven with him.

I know these descriptions of heaven are unimaginable, but they leave me in awe and give me strength. I am reminded that one day, all of the struggles in this world will be wiped away. And though it’s difficult to grasp exactly what is to come, here is a promise from God—he has greater plans for those who love him.

1 Corinthians 2:9

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Questions:
When was a time you were so awed it was indescribable?

How does the heaven being indescribable give you strength?

How does it make you feel knowing God has greater plans in eternity?

Next Steps:
Listen to Chris Thomlin’s song “Indescribable.”

Journal to reflect how you have experienced the awe of God's beauty in his creation.

Read and consider memorizing one of these verses about heaven:

1 Corinthians 2:9

John 14:2-7

Colossians 3:1

Prayer:
God, even though it is hard to describe the fullness of your presence in heaven, I pray for a glimpse of it today. I pray your presence will give strength for today. I trust in your promise that you have greater plans in eternity for those who love him. I love how great and creative you are God. Amen.

This post was written by Becca Roberts, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut.