Monday, September 1, 2014

I AIN'T GOT NO BODY


There once was an old song called, "I Ain't Got Nobody."

However, whenever I hear that title, all I can think of is a scene from the movie "Young Frankenstein."  Igor, (actor Marty Feldman), sings the first few bars of the song in a scene where only his character's head appears in a line of skulls, thus making it appear as if he had no body.

A dumb pun, but it still makes me chuckle.  Puns do that to me.  I have a very punny sense of humor…(sorry).

All kidding aside, though, I have been thinking and pondering on some deeper thoughts as of late.

My mom, "The Hub," and I recently visited my dad's gravesite.  The cemetery finally finished and placed his headstone.  I have to say, it's really beautiful.  Simple and elegant, with a lovely teal-blue background to honor his love of the sea.

And yet, it's also a bit creepy.  I am still having trouble comprehending that he is gone.  Death, on this side of eternity, is so FINAL.

And it is very difficult to grasp the truth that the *real person* is with Jesus, even as their body lies buried six feet under the ground.

I was having a conversation with Mom the other night about Dad.  I told her how wonderful I thought it was that Dad was happy now.  How he doesn't have to feel pain anymore.  That his mind is intact again.  How one day he will have a brand-new body that will never, ever get sick or hurt or tired or die.

She smiled.

I did, too.

For this is a truth, a hopeful and joyful Truth, for all of us.

And then I said this, "You know, Mom, I think it's incredibly gracious that God gives us a body again someday.  I think He understands how we might want one."

It got me pondering.

Did God understand that it might feel creepy and unsettling to think of spending eternity as a disembodied spirit?  Maybe…

Yes, I do think it's incredibly kind of the Lord to grant us these future resurrected bodies.  For I believe He just might understand how attached we get to our physical *tents.*

How our spirits are used to hands and feet and faces.

And in His wisdom and love, He will once again give us a body – new and incorruptible – for us to live in for eternity.

However, is comfort the only reason He will do this?

I think not.

For, in His perfect work of creation, we were not created as spirits only. We were created as spirit and soul encased in a body.  God fashioned us out of the dust.  He molded us with hands and feet and faces.

He "knit us together in our mother's womb"intentionally giving us a corporeal home in which to live.

And then, of course, He also chose to enter the same *housing development*!!

God Himself, Jesus, incarnated the actual material of atoms, entered into the physical realm of organs and muscles and veins.  He chose to be confined, and yet also defined, by the parameters of a body.

Jesus had hands and feet and a face.


So, God has a purpose and a plan for bodies.  Now, and in eternity.

What might that be?

Well, we can only speculate on that – but I think it's pretty awesome and exciting speculation!!

Perhaps we'll use our new bodies to explore the vast reaches of God's perfectly re-made heavens and earth.

Maybe we'll use our new bodies to give glory to God.  Maybe we'll sing and dance and play music and write and jump and paint and climb and run…

Maybe the angels will think we're crazy!!  

But here's what I think is the best…

I don't know about you, but the mere thought of being able to SEE Jesus face-to-face (literally!!) and HUG Him – well, it gives me goosebumps.

Maybe I'll have heavenly goosebumps on resurrected skin at that moment?!  And real tears of joy?!  And a smile on a new face?!

And oh, only real and physical hands will be able to touch those blessed and beloved scars.

Sigh.


Yes, we will have bodies.

What will they look like?  What age will they be?  Will we eat or sleep?

I used to spend many hours wondering about these things.  Sometimes feeling stymied that I couldn't come up with answers, or frustrated because God didn't reveal the answers.

But now, though I'm still curious, my feeling is more excited anticipation.

I don't know what our resurrected bodies will be like, but I know that I know that I know that we'll have them.

For we have been promised, and God never reneges on a deal!!

Thank you, Lord.





Hands connect hearts,
And we will live forever...
Eternally held
in the hands of our God,

Forever connected
to His heart.


"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16, ESV)

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship." (Romans 12:1, NIV)

"For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands." 
(2 Corinthians 5:1, NLT)

"'In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.'" (John 14:2, NASB)

"We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing.  For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies.  While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it's not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us.  Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life.  God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit." (2 Corinthians 5:2-5, NLT)

"Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life." (1 Corinthians 15:22, NLT)


"But someone may ask, 'How will the dead be raised?  What kind of bodies will they have?'  What a foolish question!  When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn't grow into a plant unless it dies first.  And what you put in the ground is not the plant that will grow, but only a bare seed of wheat or whatever you are planting.  Then God gives it the new body he wants it to have...
There are also bodies in the heavens and bodies on the earth.  The glory of the heavenly bodies is different from the glory of the earthly bodies...
It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead.  Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever.  Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory.  They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength.  They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies.  For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies...
Just as we are now like the earthly man, we will someday be like the heavenly man.  What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God.  These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever...
For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever.  And we who are living will also be transformed.  For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.
Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die,[j] this Scripture will be fulfilled:

'Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?'"

(From 1 Corinthians 15, NLT)


"Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be.  We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is." (1 John 3:2, NASB)

"For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 
(1 Corinthians 13:12, NIV)

"...those who die in the LORD will live; their bodies will rise again!  Those who sleep in the earth will rise up and sing for joy!" (Isaiah 26:19, NLT)

"No longer will there be a curse upon anything.  For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him.  And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads." 
(Revelation 22:3-4, NLT)


"He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, 

'Yes, I am coming soon!'

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20, NLT)



Why does it matter to you that we will have resurrected bodies?



Linked today with:


INSPIRE ME MONDAY, SHARING HIS BEAUTY, UNFORCED RHYTHMS, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, SOLI DEO GLORIA, TITUS 2 TUESDAYS, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS, WINSOME WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, TELL HIS STORY, CAPTURE YOUR JOURNEY, WOMEN HELPING WOMEN, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, THRIVING THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, GRACE AT HOMEHEARTS FOR HOME, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, LIGHT FRIDAY HIT LIST, FAITH BARISTA, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAYS, ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, THE FRIDAY FIVE, STILL SATURDAY, SATURDAY SOIREE, WEEKEND BREW, RECOMMENDATION SATURDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SUNDAY STILLNESS



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

32 comments:

  1. I too have wondered how it will be in heaven and our new bodies. I have come to about the same conclusion as you, Sharon. However God has planned it, it will be wonderful, fantastic, beyond our imagination, and will come to be because you are right, he always keeps his promise! I hope all food in heaven is calorie free myself :)

    betty

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  2. Hi Sharon! What a beautiful photo of your wedding rings. So Southwest! I spent some of my youth in Tucson, and often thought about a turquoise or coral band. Gorgeous!
    The thought of hugging Jesus is just immense, isn't it? I wonder if our glorified bodies will allow that, or if we will even need to. I think we'll be so filled with God it will be like we are a part of him in a way we can't even get close to now. But who knows? As you said, it's all speculation.
    But it is comforting to think of your Dad at rest, and in such glorious company! (I think the same of my mom.) What a beautiful headstone...teal blue for the sea. How thoughtful.
    Does is matter if I have a resurrected body? Heck no. Just allow me into heaven, I don't care what I look like!
    Happy Labor Day my friend,
    Ceil

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  3. WOW, Sharon, I'm mesmerized thinking about all this one shares and this mind and body can't totally grasp yet I found this beautiful and renewing to pause and reflect on all this content ... much more than this ole body can fathom!

    Love that beautiful photo of hands ... and rings (spectacular) but that HUG and HOPE in this penned post (also the other images you share) especially the beauty of your dad's headstone. I can picture most of this but not my resurrected body. (however, I do hope we will recognize each other because there is so much I want to say and give you the biggest hug ever - not quite like the one with Jesus, but almost)... I trust God has a perfect plan as some we have seen but hope to see all ... guess I'm not too good about speculation of heavenly wonders and THAT it will be! Precious. AS always, enjoy your sense of humor (punny or funny, always makes me smile, sometimes even chuckle)... Have a blessed and wonderful week!
    Peggy
    (in no way, feel obligated to comment on all of the next 30 days, eh? Enjoy what you can and thanks so much!)

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  4. My husband and his family are big on puns too. ;-) So I've had to learn to think things through before I speak. ha.

    It's still surreal for me to go to my parents' gravesites too. :( I'm so glad we can hang on to the truth that they are deliriously happy where they are now.

    I'm with you! "I don't know about you, but the mere thought of being able to SEE Jesus face-to-face (literally!!) and HUG Him – well, it gives me goosebumps."

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  5. Beautiful post and lots to think about here. I have wondered all the same things you mentioned here, guess we all have. All I do know is that we will be forever with our Jesus and those we love, never to be separated again. That thought alone is enough to keep me going on and striving to finish my race with grace.
    Love your rings. You should've told me you like turquoise and southwest jewelry. I would've sent you something along those lines. Still can, if you like. No charge for a dear sister.

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  6. So very much to ponder, Sharon. God has given us minds to think, hearts to love, hands to touch, tongues to taste, and so much more. He also gave us a will and that is where we learn to trust and know that God is in control and He has everything planned for that day...THAT DAY when we shall meet Him in the clouds.
    Then I begin to use that mind He gave me to ponder whether I will have taste and have it for that favorite dessert of mine! I wonder too.
    Caring through Christ, ~ linda

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  7. As Jesus was the first one to be resurrected and he had a body that could be touched and he could eat, speak and hear - - this tells me we will have a similar body. Some think because Jesus was 33 years old, that perhaps we will all enjoy a body around the age of 30 - 33. Yes, we will have a body free from pain and sickness. Thanks for sharing with us here at "Tell me a True Story."

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  8. Ahh...what a precious post, my friend. I agree with you 100%...it only makes sense that He would want to have a new body...after all, we were created in His image and He has one! Often when I am really seeking God's comfort in one circumstance or another, I sometimes feel that God is actually pulling me to His side and giving me a hug...and like you, I get goose bumps and I know it the Holy Spirit being my Comforter...what a wonderful thing! By the way, my sisters and brothers and I used to sing that silly song...right along with "Oh, My Bucket's Got a Hole in It"...lol...remember that one?? Blessings to you, Sharon!

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  9. What a glorious thing to ponder Sharon! I can imagine just being in the presence of Jesus will be so overwhelming that it will not matter what those resurrected bodies will look like. But I know God will once again out do himself. I'm amazed at just how much he thought of every detail we he created the human body so much glorious will those resurrected bodies be.

    Those turquoise bands are beautiful by the way.

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  10. The promise of heaven is keeps me going on days when I would give up, and the promise of a new body is just icing on the cake. What a day that will be.

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  11. You know, I don't know the answer to your question, but I'm with you. God doesn't do these things for no reason. He has something in mind for us and it will be glorious and beautiful! Thanks Sharon. Good thoughts!

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  12. Profound and encouraging thoughts, my friend. The past couple of years have been disconcerting for my Ed as he has been coming to certain limitation in his aging body that had not troubled him before. Now, he's working through thyroid issues and there is arthritis in his left neck, left knee and right hip. He struggles with eczema and fatigues quicker than in his youth. Those new bodies are sounding better every day! As you spoke of your dad, made me think of my mom. We are rejoicing for them and missing them simultaneously. Glad we won't miss those full body hugs someday . . .
    Joy!
    Kathy

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  13. Sharon, I so believe we will have a "real" body just as Jesus did when He rose, the change will be it will not be a frail one, it will not die or get cancer or any other sickness. Like you, the older I get in the Lord, the more pondering I do about Him the more I long to see Him face to face. Even the horrible things going on in our world does not make me long for heaven as much as longing to see him face to face. I am too aware of the lost all around me, too aware of why He came and took on a frail body, to seek that which was lost. Oh but I do long to see Him face to face...I long to hear Him say, well done my faithful servant, I hope He hugs us, touches our face, smiles at us, tells me He loves me often. I am getting homesick for heaven, makes me think of an old southern gospel song.

    See the bright light shine, it's just about home time
    I can see the Father standing by the door
    This world is but a wilderness and I'm ready for deliverance
    Yes I've never been this homesick before.

    I don't want to want to waste my homesickness...I want to use it as a reminder of His love for others, I know where I am going, I want to ask as many people as I know, do you know where you are going. I want to shout, come on, I know the way, the truth, the life, I know Jesus and you can know Him too.
    Oh my wise sister, you have stirred my heart today with this post. Thanks.

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  14. That's a Santana song. I was so much into their Evil Ways song when it came out. This post is deep in thought and has me pondering with you. I think your right and I do look forward to the day that I meet Him in face to face. God Bless.....

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  15. I read somewhere that the body is the home of our soul on earth. Makes me think again of how I care for and embody this life. Thanks for sharing your reflections with Unforced Rhythms.

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  16. I'm fairly certain that some of the angels already think that some of us are crazy! Or at least they laughed with us through Young Frankenstein!

    I've had the same type of thoughts and talks with my mom about my dad. Amazing how wisdom just keeps coming in this life... Thanks for seeking it in earnest, Sharon, makes it easier for others to find as well.

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  17. Enjoyed your deep thoughts and punny humor, Sharon. I love puns, too, think Toy Story, Rex chasing Barbie's car... the object in mirror line, cracks me up every time. It's edifying to ponder our eternal home, our finite minds can't really imagine much of what it will be like but I'm so looking forward to going further up and further in!

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  18. I love this, Sharon. Have pondered it myself. You put my thoughts into words.

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  19. It will be wonderful when we all get to Heaven - I could use a new suit these days! lol

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  20. I had never thought about the graciousness of God in the fact that He tells us we will get new bodies -- how that brings so much comfort to us because we having bodies is something we know. Takes some of the uncertainty out of death. So glad you shared these thoughts.

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  21. Using my body to lift my arms and give you some JAZZ HANDS. I love this one! Providentially, it fell in line so beautifully with the lesson that I taught from one of your verses on Sunday. (Romans 12). I don't know what my resurrected body will look like. Like you, I used to sit and ponder that stuff. Then, I decided that whatever it will be, it will be beautiful because it will be exactly as God sees it, and (though for the life of me I don't see how NOW,) the King is enthralled with my beauty.

    What I love the most is what you said about what we can do with our bodies in Heaven. We can actually wrap our arms around Jesus. Just imagine that. I love the way you think, Sharon.

    Wish it hadn't taken me so long to get around to reading, but with the family in all weekend, I got way behind in just schtuff, and schtuff needed to be tended to first.

    I'm still behind. I just gave it the back of the hand and came visiting anyway.

    Still praying for you.
    Hope you are praying for me. .

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  22. Something new for me to ponder. I'm still figuring out that living with eternity in mind. Much I don't know in terms of what scripture says. But pondering your thoughts today. Blessings. xoxo

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  23. My mother was just asking me about this the other night (as if I suddenly became the "Wise One"). She wondered how we'd recognize one another and what exactly is our soul and what happens to it...lots of questions, Mom. Who knows? Only God. And that's the beauty of loving a God that leaves us mystified. Enjoyed your blog from the Woman to Woman Wednesday Linkup.

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  24. Thanks so much for sharing! I always love hearing what you have to say! You are so right that it will be amazing to see Jesus face to face! I think we so often take that for granted and it has almost become Christianese to speak like this so we've lost the gravity of how incredible that really is. Thanks for the reminder- so glad you linked up today!
    -S.L. Payne, uncommongrace.net

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  25. Very interesting post I guess we will have to wait to get there to find out. Personal whatever it is I don't think we will care we will be in His presence and that will be enough. Followed you here from Friendship 'Friday link up.

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  26. I can't say that I've ever pondered on it too much. But you certainly have me thinking now - and grinning from ear to ear :D

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  27. I smiled big when I read: "I think it's incredibly gracious that God gives us a body again someday. I think He understands how we might want one." Such a cute post written with so much depth! I look forward to however God will reveal me. And I take great consolation that I will recognize others and be recognized too.

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  28. I love your thoughts here because I've had so many similar thoughts myself. I do think we'll have purposeful things to do when He makes all things new on this sin twisted world, and a beautiful and perfect place to do them with perfect bodies to do them in, that never get sick or tired or FAT! :)

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  29. great thoughts here Sharon. I never thought of what it would be like in heaven but we've been watching old reruns of touched by an Angel and it's reminding me how awesome incredible and loving He is and nothing is ever wasted. Hugs.

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  30. This old body of mine is so broken-down - I look forward to my perfection in heaven; no aches or pains, but rather a lightness filling my frame. It's going to be something!

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  31. I've always been amazed by the inner workings and rejuvenating capabilities of the human body. To imagine living in a glorified body, one more miraculous than the ones we enjoy in the earthly realm is pretty exciting. Great thoughts here Sharon. Thanks for sharing.

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  32. You have such a unique way of looking at and sharing things, Sharon. I adore you. Like, a lot! Thanks for sharing over at #EverydayJesus.

    PS: Do your rings in the pic have turquoise in them? Because my Grandma and Grandad collected it like nobody's business and now I have a whole stash upstairs :-) We have A LOT in common.

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

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