Scripture:
“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.” (Revelation 21:3-4)
Reading:
I read the text again.
Years ago my friend and I spent Thursday mornings in a Bible study, followed by lunches with our kids and a load of cut grapes, excited about what we were learning. It seems as though she was just leaning against my countertop, warm smile and easy laugh.
This past Sunday in church our congregation sang, “How I long to breathe the air of heaven where pain is gone, and mercy fills the street.” (“Hymn of Heaven,” Phil Wickham) My insides felt like they were on fire and tears followed suit to quench the pain.
I read the text again.
I thought about my friend, a runner, racing into the embrace of Jesus, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom (Daniel 4:3). How she joined the chorus of heaven singing praise to God for His deliverance and rescue. “For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves…” (Dan. 6:26-27)
“But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Dan. 12:1-2)
I read His text again.
Our suffering will be incomparable to what Jesus Christ has in store for those who love Him. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18) My friend chose to put her faith in Christ. According to holy scripture, she is experiencing the majesty and joy of God’s presence.
“As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.” (Dan. 12:13)
I read His text again.
Some things on our timelines we will never understand, yet God helps us understand the way to everlasting life. He sent His Son Jesus the first time to save us, and His text says Jesus will return to make all things right! In His kingdom there will be no more death, no more heartbreak (1 Corinthians 15:24-26). Until that day, let’s read His text again.
Reflection:
1. What verses minister God’s peace and truth to me in the face of devastating news? Have I equipped myself with scripture for trying days?
2. According to Daniel 11:33 and 12:3 “the wise” are busy making disciples. How can I turn my attention to others and influence them to turn to Christ?
Prayer:
Father God, I look forward to the day when Your kingdom has come, and Christ has completed Your will on earth as it is in heaven. I ask for Your unconditional grace until the day I enter into the fulness of Your presence. Thank You, Lord Jesus. Amen.