My son has a virtual reality headset, a really good bit of kit that sits on your head like a large pair of goggles, immersing you in a different world entirely. He often encourages me to have a go and, if I have the time, I am happy to. My favourite games include a boxing one, a table tennis one and a mini golf game. The games themselves are incredible. It is possible to improve your skills within the games to such an extent that they transfer directly into real life. This is due to the level of reality in the games.
One evening I joined Caleb in his room and had 10 minutes to play. I decided on mini-golf. As soon as I selected the location and the game began, I was transported from a 13-year-old boy’s bedroom to a gothic style castle, decorated with elaborate lighting. I was in a totally different world!
The game was going well, but the thing that struck me was the view. I could explore this new world by looking around, moving and even flying. I moved to a wide set of stone steps and climbed half-way up. Above me was a concrete statue, it towered over me!
You may wonder where I am going with this. I will try to get to the point. Standing on those steps, looking up at something so impressive, gave me a sense of things to come and of things unseen. We are told of Heaven and heavenly beings. We have a hope in a future in Heaven with God. We also have the promise of God’s Spirit with us while we are here on earth.
At times this seems intangible, even unreal. We live here, on this earth with all its challenges and distractions. We are consumed by the things we need to do and the pressures of life. Where does God fit into this? Sadly, for so many, He doesn’t. For us who believe in God, we have to be aware of those things which could keep us from seeing things as they really are. Slipping on that headset instantly transported me to a different way of seeing, hearing, and experiencing life. We must do the same. Perhaps it is creating time and space in a busy day or week, being still, quiet, getting outside and walking or choosing to pray or read God’s Word. Whatever our way of putting ourselves into God’s reality, it is here where we find the truth. A confused world looks on, not understanding. We are getting glimpses of things that are now and that are to come!