When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Psalm 126:1-2
Children know things that we have forgotten. If you watch a child at play you will notice that they have no problem with invisible realities, they talk seriously about things that can’t be seen and powers that can’t be understood. They know of hidden realities, They know a world of good and evil where good will always triumph and everyone will live happily ever after. If they had never been told a single fairy tale they would have created their own.
For children raised in Christian families who take the biblical view of reality seriously these imagined wonders are pale next the events of God’s interaction with His created ones. The bible is brimming with stories of the supernatural, of angels and demons, incalculable powers and astounding miracles.
Then there is the imaginary friend! (Who’s seen Drop Dead Fred?) There is the world of Joy and Wonder that to a child is the most natural reality.
Have we grown up or have we grown down? We have a friend who is not imaginary, who really does want to lead us into a world of Joy and Wonder and supernatural reality. Into a revelation that promises much more than happy ever after into an eternal reality when all of creation is restored to perfection.
Even in the here and now our friend invites us to taste and see and touch the wonder of heaven on earth where we know that we possess a fortune, that dreams can become reality, bellies can hurt from laughter and Joy can flood our beings.