I’m sure I’ve written a few “head-scratchers” over these past seven years, but this one would likely make the top 10, don’t you think?

We seldom think about death restoring anything.  LIFE is restorative, not death.

Well, perhaps we do think about the promise of Revelation 21:4 where we read, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”  I certainly long for the day when this is true for my life and all those who will celebrate with Jesus.

For me, the focus has been on the absence of my pain, or grieving, or longing, or heartache.  I almost feel like that’s all the relief I would need to be perfectly happy in Paradise.

You know I’ve written several blogs in the more recent months about how the troubles of this world, and specifically in the lives of my loved ones, just seem to be escalating – not only in severity but in frequency.

Is it a sign we’re getting closer to the End?  Of course we are!  Every day that passes accomplishes that.

But recent conversations with friends have caused me to take another, more surprising, look at what this perfect future might hold for those of us who have put our faith in Jesus.

There’s a ton of theology that could be discussed as to whether all of this perfection is achieved as soon as we die and go to Heaven.  Or whether it’s fully complete when Jesus returns, and we spend the rest of our eternity back on this restored earth.

For purposes of this post, I’ll be referring to the final resting place which is described in Revelation 21:1-4 (where we find the previous quote about no more tears etc.)

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.  And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

This is our final, perfect eternity – and it’s what I long for the most.

All that “set-up” to discuss my most recent “revelation” (no pun intended) in the context of hearing heartbreaking stories from friends who had hopelessly fractured relationships in their lives.  Hopeless either because there was no chance of resolution after their loved one’s death, or because there were no signs of reconciliation even with those still living.

I’ve heard these regrets for years through this ministry.  Widows who now have no opportunity to work toward a healthier marriage with their deceased husbands.  Parents who haven’t had a relationship with a child for decades.

Friendships that have been fractured with no hope of reconciliation. Things left unsaid or undone that result in regret upon regret.  It’s a heartbreaking reality for so many.

Here’s where the hope lies.  When God restores all of creation, he doesn’t just take away our physical pain or our personal heartache.

God restores “hopelessly” fractured relationships of those who will one day meet again in the perfect eternity.

Think with me about the relationships in your life, past or present, that you would change if you could.  If you had another opportunity.  We all have a lot of them, don’t we?

This is why I believe that statement to be true, and why I want to give you hope today if you find yourself living with regrets that seem irreparable.

First a caveat – I have learned much from Randy Alcorn’s writings on Heaven, most often infused with scriptures to back it all up.  I’ll link to a more in-depth discussion if you want to know more.

• We remain who we were on earth throughout eternity.  God’s initial perfect design was creating unique individuals.  Why would he not bring you back to your perfect sinless state?  Why would he make you a completely different person?  Learn more here.
• We do not lose our memories of life here on this earth when we die.  In 1 Thessalonians 4:17, Paul is encouraging his readers with these words. “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”  Do you see the implied “together with the Lord forever?”    We will also give an account of our lives after our death.  How could we do that if we don’t have any memories? We will now have a perfect perspective.  We will see how God used our heartache to bring about growth and healing.  We will have his perspective.  This video goes into greater detail – only about 2 ½ minutes.
• Our relationships are restored!  All the broken pieces of our earthly relationships will be perfectly repaired!  Isn’t that a glorious thought?  How much time do we devote to worrying over and grieving over what could have been, or what never will be?  The God of restoration will give you the perfect ending you long for.  Learn more in this blog post

I know this life is hard.  We could spend the remainder of our earthly lives grieving over all that is wrong in this world.  And some grieving is certainly appropriate.  But it’s critical that we add an eternal perspective to our suffering so we can see a bigger picture.  And we can have hope for a better life ahead.

I pray there was a glimmer of hope, a nugget of truth that will help you attain that perspective.  It can make all the difference in this life.

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us

an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

as we look not to the things that are seen

but to the things that are unseen.

For the things that are seen are transient,

but the things that are unseen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18