Located here within our wonderful US of A are four states whose first name
is New. New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, and New York, all settled by
different groups of people, who were looking for something new, but wishing to
incorporate some of the history and traditions of their homeland. Bringing the
best of the old, and mixing it with the new, this was the basis of our country.
No more of the same only different philosophy, but part of a "new nation,
conceived in liberty...where all men are created equal." New in the best sense
of the word.
I was part of the New Coke phenomenon when it was introduced. And failed
as a product, but won as a marketing gem for Classic Coke. The US of A has laws
concerning the use of the word new in advertising, and it could only be new for
awhile. It went away long before it ever got old. But yet we have these four
states, some enduring over 200 years, with New Mexico celebrating its 100th
anniversary this year. And for those of you who tend to think in a blonde mode,
New England is not a state, despite it having its own football team. Patriots
yes, just not eligible for statehood.
New York, although named after an English town, was really settled by the
Dutch-at least New York City was, before the English arrived, they called it New
Amsterdam. New Hampshire has the motto of "live free or die," yet is very
liberal and votes Democratic. More laws, more government=less freedom. What
was old Hampshire like? Then there is New Jersey, or just Jersey. You don't
call New York just York, or New Hampshire just Hampshire, and you really are
wrong if you call New Mexico just Mexico. Yet Jersey can drop the New, unlike
any other state. And if you think Jersey Turnpike when you think of New Jersey,
and Bayonne, Jersey City, and some other eyesores of the Garden State, you
wonder just how bad was the old Jersey in England? I grew up in Jersey-I can
comment. Remember this is the state that when John Lindsay was running for
mayor of NYC was know to comment, "Keep New York clean, dump your trash in New
Jersey." Cleverly disguised as the Meadowlands, really a landfill. New?
Jersey?
Which brings us to New Mexico, USA. The state I moved to from Jersey.
Where they don't speak Spanish, their language is English, like the rest of the
US of A, with the possible exception of California. Called the "Land of
Enchantment," all you have to do is watch one sunset to know why. Where hi-tech
meets old world, home of the Atomic Bomb, the best heart surgeons, and the
Navajo Nation, aka the world's largest ghetto. But new it is, and with a
culture all its own, a flavor to food all its own, and a beauty unique to
itself, although it shares a long border with Mexico. Which we don't call Old
Mexico, and we don't refer to Old York, Old Hampshire, or Old Jersey. No Old
England sports teams either. Where when something new was started, the old was
left behind. A new life, in a new country, with new freedoms.
In heaven we find the city of New Jerusalem. And just like we become a
"new creature" in Christ when we are born again, this New Jerusalem will be like
no other city on earth. Named after the city which is the apple of God's eye,
no more wars, bombs, dissidents, or those who refuse to honor God will be
residents there. It will have gold for streets, relegating it to asphalt
status. All you gold buyers, do you know you are really just storing up
heavenly asphalt? Gates made up of one huge pearl each. And the beauty is like
none other ever seen-for no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor mind imagined the
things of God. It is an eternal city, with eternal residents. Truly a land of
enchantment. But you must be born again to gain access. You must become a new
creature in Christ...where behold the old is passed away. Where there is no old
to compare it to, and it doesn't even mention any turnpikes.
The ultimate New destination for those looking for freedom, and finding it
in Jesus Christ. A final settlement for believers, who are referred to in
scripture as sojourners, or those just travelling through this earth. Who have
a real destination and homeland which are all the same. And to which we aspire
to go to someday. If only you believe.
Believe in your heart, and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is God
and you will be saved. Yet so many are hard hearted, and refuse Him. Choosing
instead to stay the same with the same old sin. And if you consider God harsh
for not accepting sinners, remember it is His grace by which you are saved, not
of yourself. No sin in heaven, at that time we will fully know God's true
justice, thankfully revealed to us in love.
So look ahead, or look up as scripture encourages, the New Jerusalem is
closer than it was to us yesterday. Whether from New Hampshire, New York, New
Jersey, or New Mexico, or any of its old namesakes, there is no place like
heaven. No matter where you are from, it is more important where you are
going. Going back to the garden, heaven, New Jerusalem...truly there is no
place like home. Not found on any map, only within the kingdom of God.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com