Our Reading: Revelation 21

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)

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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