Tag: city of God
Day 4–Heavenly City of God
Scripture reading for June 25: Revelation 21:1-4 “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. 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 will be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
We all desire to know what will happen in the future and there have been many who proclaim that they know what the future holds. But when it comes to future events, believers are never to seek out information from sorcerers or fortune tellers. These are not from God but work from their flesh for fame or gain. (Deuteronomy 18:14) (Galatians 5:19-21) But we can trust God’s Word to reveal what is truly planned by God for His people and also for those who reject His rule.
The apostle John shared the heavenly vision he had received from God and was instructed to write down to encourage and inspire the church through the ages of God’s patience. The church was to be about God’s plan of preaching the Gospel to all nations. They were to proclaim this prophetic Word that details God’s plans and how the kingdom of heaven will ultimately rule all. God is preparing a heavenly city as a dwelling place for Himself and His Bride, the Church. As God walked with man in the garden at the beginning of His story, so God will dwell in the midst of His people. There will be no more crying, no pain and suffering, and no death. These will be forgotten and forever pass away!
In addition, there will be no first responders needed in God’s City. God will personally take care of all people by removing the curse of sin and death, sickness and disease, rebellion and pride. He Alone will be exalted and heaven’s King will rule in peace and righteousness forever and ever!
Prayer: Father God, we long to hear the trumpet call and to meet our Lord Jesus. This world is not our home, but the heavenly City with You as Lord and King will meet our deepest needs. Amen.
Longing for the heavenly city!
Scripture reading for March 2nd: Numbers 1-2, Psalm 64, Hebrews 11
Key Scriptures: Hebrews 11:13-16 “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city.”
The writer of Hebrews had listed several ancient men and women who had trusted God to fulfill His promise to them to be their God and they would live in His Presence forever. All these historical figures had died believing but not receiving the promise in its fullness. They lived as strangers here on earth, knowing God promised them much better with Him. Noah boarded the ark, following God. Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob had lived in tents in the promised land. But they were really looking for a heavenly city, prepared specially for them by their God!
Faith Confession and prayer: I am a stranger here on this earth, just passing through in route to the New Jerusalem and living in God’s glory and light forever. Help me to never be ashamed of my Lord Jesus.
Numbers 2:1-2 “The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, “The people of Israel shall camp each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers’ houses. They shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side.”
Psalm 64:10 “Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in Him! Let all the upright in heart exult!”