Tuesday, July 29, 2014

John Newton: Longing for Heaven

John Newton has taught me, more than any other person, about longing for heaven. His letters are full of what I call "homesick happiness," a deep-seated and unsatisfied joy that looks forward to its true home in heaven. More and more, I want to learn from Newton to "look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen," because "this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." For now, the anticipatory joy in that weight of glory is mingled with the homesick longing of this world's light momentary affliction. But oh for that day when joy, and only joy, shall remain!


"What an assembly there will be! What a constellation of glory, when each individual shall shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father! No sins, sorrows, temptations; no veils, clouds, or prejudices, shall interrupt us then."

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I am enjoying this first week of Newton reflections. This day particularly resonates with me since I feel I am too earthly-minded and want to set my mind on future glory.