Wentworth Woodhouse

I went to visit Wentworth Woodworth in the summer. My companion assured me it was a stunning house, and the largest private residence in the United Kingdom. Indeed, its frontage is the longest of any country house in Europe. We both thought we were in for a treat. Instead, it was one of the ugliest we had ever seen, for it was shrouded in scaffolding. ‘Essential maintenance’ demanded that the usually gorgeous classical façade be obscured, making it resemble any common building site. I dare say it will be back to its usual magnificence this coming summer. 

Why is the Bible so parsimonious in its descriptions of the heavenly state? Why is our eternal future hidden in the mists of vague, bare and obscure language? We do have some idea- that found at Revelation, for instance. From this we know it is going to be wonderful, but my many questions remain unanswered. Do I lack the understanding? Is heaven so unlike my current existence that it’s beyond my comprehension? Perhaps the Lord Jesus simply wants it to be a wonderful surprise for His beloved, world-weary people. In South Yorkshire, there is a splendid country house hidden beneath tarpaulin and metal poles. In some other dimension is the Father’s many-roomed mansion, beyond our vision and fathoming, yet one day to be revealed and opened up to every believer.  

So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.  They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Revelation 7