When Sorrow Ends (Revelation21)
12:30 PM
In “this life”.....
We will know sorrow. We will know heartache. We will know pain.
We will know loss, grief, and death. We will know suffering. But,
that’s because we are journeying through “this life”. My mother once shared
some wise words I’ve always remembered. “This is not heaven. This is
Earth. If every Christian got a free”no suffering” pass, then everyone would
want to be a Christian, but for the wrong reasons.” Instead, Jesus
told us in John 16:33....”In the world you will have tribulation. But take
heart; I have overcome the world."”
As Christians, we will experience all the ups and downs of life
that others do. When we encounter major trials and losses, the world will watch
to see if our faith is “sunny weather” only faith or genuine faith that
“praises God in the storm”. Many of us are aware that Toby Mac, a popular
Christian musician unexpectedly lost his 21 year old son recently. He issued a
statement from his family that reflected genuine trust in God in spite of his
sorrow: “My wife and I would want the world to knows this … We don’t follow God
because we have some sort of under the table deal with Him, like we’ll follow
you if you bless us. We follow God because we love Him.”
That’s the kind of faith we are called to have. It’s a faith
that is fostered by a personal intimate relationship with God and an
appreciation that Christ himself understands our sufferings first hand and
truly cares. I encourage you to read Revelation 21 in its entirety because it’s
God’s letter of love and encouragement to you.
“This life”....with all it’s difficulties and sorrows will come
to an end.
“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. And I saw the
holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a
bride adorned for her husband.” (v1-2).
This is a glimpse into the future life that awaits a Christian.
The best part is that we will fully know God and his love for us in a way we
struggle to know here.
“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."”(v3-4)
No more grief or pain or sorrow or suffering! How wonderful is
this future life that awaits us. Hallelujah that we have such promises from
God. This life has purpose and God is always there to help us through with
wisdom, comfort and guidance. We will know the sorrow of living in a fallen
world but for those who persevere in their belief and trust there will be great
reward.
“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. The one who conquers will have this
heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.”
(v6-7)
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