Camping in Heaven
Thursday, March 16, 2023
"Heaven and Christ are the same thing." – Samuel Rutherford
Samuel Rutherford was a Presbyterian pastor and theologian who was born in Nisbet, Scotland around 1600 and died in 1661. During his nearly 40-year ministry career, Rutherford wrote many widely read letters, sermons, devotional and scholastic works. He also faced charges of “non-conformity” in 1630 and 1636, mostly for opposing Armenism, and treason shortly before his death.
Despite these challenges, Rutherford and his writings were extremely influential throughout Scotland and beyond. In fact, his writing desk was said to be "perhaps the most effective and widely resounding pulpit then in old Christendom." Rutherford’s greatest work was Lex, Rex, which was published in 1644 with the subtitle, “The Law and the Prince.” John Locke, one of the leaders of the Enlightenment, was profoundly influenced by this book.
When I consider Rutherford’s quote above, I think back to the many camping trips we took with our kids when they were younger. At some point during every trip, I would ask Bethany, Matt, and Chris what was Daddy’s favorite part of the vacation. “Spending time together as a family,” they would all recite in unison.
That was true then… and it’s true now. I absolutely love spending time with my wife, kids, and grandkids. It doesn’t matter where we go or what we do, just being together is heaven on earth to me.
In the same way, being in the very presence of Jesus is all it will take for heaven to be heaven. Sure, it will be wonderful not to experience pain, sorrow, or death any longer, but what will make heaven so incredible – and our joy so indescribable – will be Jesus, plain and simple.
Here is how Rutherford explained it…
"O my Lord Jesus Christ, if I could be in heaven without you, it would be a hell; and if I could be in hell, and have you still, it would be a heaven to me, for you are all the heaven I want."
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.'” Revelation 21:3 (NIV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
