The Message (MSG)

This scripture (Matt 22:30-32) intrigues me. I can't put my finger on it and I can't claim I really understand it. But it speaks to me, like a language of Love.

Two things stand out to me.

First, He is the God of the living. The great I AM, not the great I was.

Why is this important? Because you can't have a relationship, let alone an intimate one, with a dead thing. Well, you can, but it would be pretty one-sided ;)

Religion is great at that btw..

But a living God implies a living, close, intimate relationship. Dialogue, dynamics, friendship, love, intimacy..

And that brings me to my second point.

I love how the Message translation puts it (Matt 22: 30):

"As with the angels, all our ecstacies and intamacies then (in heaven) will be with God."

I just love that!

Think about this. In John‬ ‭17:3‬ Jesus says

"And this is eternal life, that they may KNOW You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent".

So that's eternal life according to Jesus. To really know God. Intimately. Like in a marriage. And we are His bride, are we not? :)

Then isn't it only logical that "all our ecstacies and intimacies then will be with God"?

God will be at the center of our desires and affection. To know Him, really intimately know Him.

But why wait till you get to heaven? Love God the best way you know how. Here. Now.

'Cause when you're truly in love, you wanna know everything there is to know about that someone, right? You wanna love them the best way you know how.

And in doing so, I believe we will learn to love others, as we love ourselves.

And then the world will know us by our love. (John 13:35)

Now, religion can't teach you that, but a personal, close relationship with the source of all Love will. ❤️