Tag: no tears
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.
The Bride’s Eternal Home!
Scripture reading for December 31st: Revelation 20-22
During the last supper, Jesus encouraged His disciples about coming events. He told them that He was going away and preparing a place for them so that where He was they could be with Him. He promised to come back for them to take them to this place. (John 14:1-3) He prayed in John 17: 24, “Father, I want those you have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory You have given Me before the creation of the world.” These were the words of the Heavenly Bridegroom speaking to His bride!
What Jesus starts, He finishes! He is the way, truth and life! In Revelation 20-22 we find John’s description of the crushing of the serpent’s head and of the place Jesus has prepared for us to spend eternity with Him. Man started in a garden, walking with God. He will end in a heavenly city prepared by God just for him! The serpent that deceived man will be crushed for ever. “And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10)
Men and women who have refused salvation by faith will stand before a great white throne of judgment and receive justice for their evil deeds of breaking God’s laws of love. No one will escape or be able to bargain for a lighter sentence. “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone’s name was not found written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:14-15) This is not God’s will for any man, but comes from his refusal to repent.
“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. The will be His people and God Himself will be with them and be their God.” (Revelation 21:3) The new Jerusalem is a cube just like the Holy of Holies in the temple or tabernacle. God dwelt there among His people. Now His bride the Church will dwell in the new Jerusalem and He will be their light and life and all will see His face! Jesus is coming soon! (Revelation 22:7, 12, 20) Are you ready!