When Heaven Threw A Party: No eye has seen. No ear has heard. No mind can conceive what God has prepared for those who love him. I wonder what that first look was like that moment on September 26, 2014 when Ethan Hallmark was escorted into the presence of God by his Savior. We are not meant to fully grasp that scene or the joy that awaits, but, on days like today (Ethans 14th birthday), I cant help but try. If there was ever a moment you were awestruck by earths beauty, a sunset, a snow-capped mountain, a lavish beach, a moonlit night, or the chubby cheeks of a newborn baby, just remember that our vision is skewed. It has been marred since the Fall. Even though what we see often takes our breath away, we will never be able to enjoy it to the level God intended. For that reason, we should never get too satisfied with this life. We were not made for it. Rare is the person who lives this life in angst longing for the next. What we see now is not all that is. It only serves to reveal the work of an amazing Designer, a Party-Planner if you will. After all the beauty Ive seen, it blows my mind to think of what else God is crafting to give those who love him. I dont know what He showed Ethan, but I know it exceeded his deepest longing and surpassed what he dreamed of when the pain got too much to bear. On that day, our Savior safely carried him and set him down to stand unencumbered by cancer. I see a banner hung across the heavens bearing the name: Ethan Matthew Hallmark. I see RealTree camo, fishing poles, bows, hunting rifles, baseballs, balloons and, yes, a piñata. Everything just the way he liked it. No improvements. Personalized to the finest detail. In that instance, I imagine a nail-pierced hand moving in a sweeping motion toward the entrance of the party and the Lover of his soul tenderly and excitedly saying (like a parent who cant wait for their child to open a present they know they will love), Enter in and check out what I did for you. With the first step into his reward, the splendor of heaven collided into melodic song as the hosts of heaven sang antiphonal chants, echoing to one another, Ethan....Hallmark. Footballs flew through the air and a soccer ball nearly knocked over the punch bowl. Everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves like the party had been going on for awhile. A dog wagged its tail under the table waiting for some cake crumbs and two stealthy cats perched atop the presents looking intently at a balloon floating tantalizingly close in the breeze caused by the steady flutter of angel wings. This scene brought such joy to Ethan that it made him chuckle and ask, How long has this party been going on? Well, replied Jesus, For about six years now. Do you remember what I said about angels rejoicing when someone repents and places their faith in me? Weve been doing this since you were a little boy when you asked to be on my team. Lets just say that everyone here likes to party. Ethan glanced around trying to soak it all in. As he did, he noticed that no one was in a hurry, worried about the brisket in the smoker or the lit candles on the cake. Everyone seemed content to celebrate as they were. It was exhilarating to watch. After a few moments, Jesus put his hand on Ethans shoulder and said, If you think that is cool, watch this. They are waiting for something. He waved his hand again, this time making them visible to the partygoers. Just when Ethan thought the joy couldnt get any fuller, the heavens erupted in a crescendoing thunderous applause and Aggie whoop recognition. To which Ethan, with eyes wide open, said, Many are the wonders... If Ethan could tell us one thing today, Im sure he would say, Dont miss the party. The invitation is for everyone. If youve never done so, take a few minutes to RSVP right now and place your trust in Jesus Christ. He came to die so he could give you life. Simply pray, like Ethan did with his dad as a young boy, Jesus, I believe you died on the cross and rose again on the third day. Please forgive me and change me into the person you want me to be. If youve prayed that prayer, another party just started. If you have come to faith in Christ because of Ethans story or have grown in a deeper love with Christ because of his example, be sure to let the Hallmarks know about it. No eye has seen. No ear has heard. No mind can conceive what God has prepared for those who love him.
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 00:18:17 +0000
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