What is Heaven?

Posted on August 4, 2024 by mitchteemley

heaven_and_hell_by_kizuna_chan

Many say:

Those who do this

and steer clear of that

clearly have heaven

tucked under their hat.

And those who’ve insured

themselves against fire

by naming the cross

and defaming desire

are certain their names

are high on the list.

And if he complains

they’ll firmly insist

“You’re mistaken, I’ve done

everything that you said,

I drank all your wine

and ate all your bread…

“So why don’t I feel

like abiding here now?

You aren’t what I’ve loved.

Where’s my sacred Cow?

When I look around,

I don’t see a trace

of the heaven I’ve built.

No, it’s not in this place.”

—

But the One says:

There are those who have burned

in their hearts to heal others

and ached at the loss

of sisters and brothers,

acquitting the worst

and illuming their night.

And despite their own failings,

refusing the flight

that beckons with death,

they strive once again

to align every breath

with the presence of him

whom they’ve loved since they learned

that he shed from his side

the one balm that heals

their festering pride.

When they gaze in his eyes

they’ll finally see home,

not statutes or laws,

but his presence alone.

And then as they look

on this setting again

they’ll see heaven is built

out of his love for them.

∞

About mitchteemley

Writer, Filmmaker, Humorist, Thinker-about-stuffer
This entry was posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Poetry, Quips and Quotes, Religion/Faith and tagged , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

29 Responses to What is Heaven?

  1. K.L. Hale says:
    August 4, 2024 at 1:08 pm

    Profound, powerful, and poignant! AND TRUTH! Thank you, dear friend!!❣️🙏

    Reply
  2. carolbaldwin says:
    August 4, 2024 at 1:18 pm

    Did you write this? Profound!

    Reply
  3. Anna Waldherr says:
    August 4, 2024 at 3:01 pm

    Beautiful.

    Reply
  4. Debi Walter says:
    August 4, 2024 at 3:51 pm

    {{tears}} He is the beauty of Heaven. I heard someone answer the question, “What will you say when you stand before God and are asked, “Why should you be allowed into Heaven.” The answer? “First of all, I don’t think I’ll be standing…”

    That’s a proper perspective on our response to His love and sacrifice for us. As Matt Redman sings, “One day you’ll make sense of it all Jesus. One day every question resolved. And we will see Your glory revealed…on that day.”

    Beautiful poem, Mitch.

    Reply
  5. Nancy Homlitas says:
    August 4, 2024 at 4:37 pm

    Your poem is wonderfully inspirational with a meaningful message. Thank you, Mitch. 🙂

    Reply
  6. Under the mask.. says:
    August 4, 2024 at 4:53 pm

    Beautiful, Mitch!

    Reply
  7. wordancerblog says:
    August 4, 2024 at 6:12 pm

    I needed this today, Mitch. Thank you. Dealing with some family medical issues, and keeping Him in the forefront of my mind so that I don’t get distracted to the point of despair. Your last four lines brought me much solace. Thanks, again.

    “And then as they look

    on this setting again

    they’ll see heaven is built

    out of His love for them.”

    Reply
  8. Pure Glory says:
    August 4, 2024 at 6:15 pm

    God is love and everyone who sees Jesus has seen the Father. Such great love ❤️ that he bas that he died in our place, went to hell and regained what we had lost and resurrected. In his presence is all we need.

    Reply
  9. Willie Torres Jr. says:
    August 4, 2024 at 8:23 pm

    Beautiful and Powerful.

    Reply
  10. Bruce Wu says:
    August 5, 2024 at 8:45 am

    “…they strive once again, to align every breath, with the presence of him…”

    Beautiful.

    Reply
  11. Karen :) says:
    August 5, 2024 at 2:13 pm

    Wow, Mitch. Thank you.

    Reply

  12. Pingback: What is Heaven? – QuietMomentsWithGod

  13. peggywritesblog says:
    August 8, 2024 at 2:38 pm

    Beautiful and wise!

    Reply

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