Thoughts from reading the ending of Rev. 13:6

Part of journal entry:

"And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven." (Rev. 13:6) 

The child of God sees God's dwelling and those who have gone on before in ways pretty distinct and impossible to understand for the natural mind. The contemporary "utopia" is merely a mental reference point, not actual place, to those who do not know God; while I can stay secure because I know it is.

I've heard people say of a deceased loved one, "he lives on in our hearts." Yes, but there should be more! "We can meet again." Yes, but there should be even more than that! There should be anticipation of surety of joining up with them when spirits are pure, will not misunderstand, hurt, reject, kill in any way, but will accept, listen, love, and work together to praise God together. That is filled with anticipation, and "let's just wait until we meet again" just doesn't do it!

It is not just how a person lives when everything is honky dory that matters. It is how a person lives when he sees he may be approaching the gates of his eternal abode. And the measuring rod, to me, is not so much about what a person says about the living ones around him (anyone can put up a good front) but how does he feel about meeting them again in the afterlife? Would he be able to look them in the eye? Or would he be rushing into their arms for a long-sought-for embrace?

God's tabernacle. Would he be saying, "So this place really existed..."? or would he plop down all happy relief and weary, laying down arms, looking for the Lord of the Manor, though the body would no longer able to move, heart and eyes longing to see HIM?

IT WILL BE WORTH IT ALL WHEN WE SEE JESUS!