This is an exciting chapter!  After all of the terrible trials and tribulations, John is shown the wonderful future awaiting Christians. Just as in the beginning of Genesis, God begins creating again.  “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.” (v1)

There is also a new Holy city, a new Jerusalem. It is compared to a bride adorned for Jesus.  There are many details given about the physical beauty and magnificence of this city. Imagine if you can: “The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.” (18-21).

Although the physical beauty will be breathtaking, that's not the best part. The most amazing feature is revealed: “having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.” (V11) I couldn't help but think about how Moses asked to see the glory of God. Afterward, his face shown because he had been in the presence of God.  Moses had such a special relationship with God.  We are told God's Spirit would stand in the form of a cloud at the tent entrance where Moses was. “Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. " (Exodus 33:11)

Have you ever wished that you could experience God even more intimately?  Well, in that city of Jerusalem you will: “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” (v3-5)

God's perfect plan for the redemption of man will be completed.  Fellowship with God will be restored and all of our needs will be met by Him. 

My story is meant to have a happily ever after. Your story is meant to have this hope filled future as well. We worship and serve the God of the Universe who is holy and just.  He loves us and wants us to spend eternity with Him. From the beginning of time God has been carrying out his plan to redeem mankind and eradicate evil.  “And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment." (v6)

Have you accepted this freely offered gift?  Have you chosen this future?  Have you been burdened for others to also join you in eternity with God? “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

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