Reading: Revelation 21-22
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God(Rev. 21:1-3).
Here, in the last chapters of Revelation, we have been given a most precious gift. Through the visions granted to John, Jesus has provided us with assurance of the righteousness of our faith. We have arrived at the end of His written Word only to be shown the true beginning. Though we now live in a world of temptation and trials, in the new heaven and the new earth, these manifestations of evil will not exist. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (21:8). From that moment on into eternity, we will live in the perfect will of our Father. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be His God, and he shall be My son (21:7).
Even as we ready ourselves to live forever in the presence of God, many in the world today still walk in total darkness, blind to the light of Christ. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them (II Cor. 4:4). They know nothing of peace; they have never felt the love of God nor perceived His outstretched arms. They are in desperate need of spiritual intervention, and the power to offer it lies in our hands.
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Rom. 10:17). Tomorrow, as we celebrate the beginning of a new year by setting out on a fresh journey through the word of God, let us resolve not to take that journey alone. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things (10:14-15)! As we absorb the living force of God’s Word on a daily basis, let us make it our mission to spread that force far and wide so that all might come to know the saving power of God.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations(Ps. 100:1-5).
Thought for Today: To take God’s gift and horde it away is to ignore the reason it was given. God’s Word is meant to be given to all.
Cross References:For Rev. 21:4: See Is. 25:8. Rev. 21:23: See Is. 60:19. Rev. 21:25: See Is. 60:11. Rev. 21:27: See Is. 52:1. Rev. 22:2: See Ezek. 47:12; Gen. 2:9. Rev. 22:3: See Zech. 14:11. Rev. 22:12: See Is. 40:10. Rev. 22:13: See Is. 44:6; 48:12. Rev. 22:16: See Is. 11:1. Rev. 22:18-19: See Deut. 12:32.
Word Studies:21:9 The bride, the Lamb's wife = The Church, the Lord Jesus' Church; 21:16 twelve thousand furlongs = 1500 miles; 21:23 lighten it = illuminate it; 22:7 prophecy = foretelling, forth telling, teaching; 22:16 angel to testify = messenger to bear witness.
Pray forThe United States Armed Forces Worldwide • Government Officials: Gov. Jim Pillen (NE) • Country: Moldova (3,583,288) Southeastern Europe • Major Language: Moldovan • Restricts Religious Freedom • 98% Eastern Orthodox; 1.5% Jewish; 0.5% Baptist/ Other • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord when in despair; He is your deliverer (Jon. 2:5-6).