Thank you for joining us as we have worked our way through the book of Revelation. As Pastor David continues to help us unpack the rest of the book, we are going to turn our attention in our daily devotions to the different themes found in John’s writing. For the next week, we’ll dive into themes in the book of Revelation and explore how they align with the rest of Scripture.
This week’s theme: The New Creation
Looking forward to the renewal of all things and dwelling eternally in God’s presence.
Day 1: New Heavens and Earth
Read Isaiah 65:17-19 NIV
“See, I will create
new heavens and a new earth.
The former things will not be remembered,
nor will they come to mind.
But be glad and rejoice forever
in what I will create,
for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight
and its people a joy.
I will rejoice over Jerusalem
and take delight in my people;
the sound of weeping and of crying
will be heard in it no more.
Read Revelation 21:3 NIV
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.
Most of the time I try not to think about how old I am. But a new school year always makes me reminisce about the days when all my children lived under one roof. It was frequently chaotic, it was often loud, and someone was almost always hungry or tired…including me! But there is something to be treasured in seeing the faces of those I love every morning and every evening…knowing how their days started out and then knowing they are safe and sound at night.
As they are all adults now and have lives outside of my home, we use an app so we can see where everyone is. I check to see where everyone is in the morning as I start my day and pray for them, and I check where they are as I sit on the couch at night or crawl into bed. There is also a family group chat to say, “ Hey”, share a song or something funny, or celebrate with each other when we can’t be together…It’s not the same.
Now, I know that is how things go. And I love watching my family have their own lives and do amazing things…we raised them the way we prayed would help them be successful in life. Nonetheless, I can’t help but think that the longing I feel when we are apart is kind of how God feels about us in our broken world.
I think back to the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve walking in the cool of the day with God – just chatting about the day. A perfect place of togetherness…until it wasn’t. Sin shattered the togetherness. But since that day, Scripture shows us how God has been working to restore it all. To get back to “living under the same roof.” He has gone so far as to create something brand new that He is just waiting for us to experience! A place where all of His family can be together. He’s been longing for it since Genesis chapter 3.
I get that…I live that in a small way.
Last year, my kids and their families surprised me and showed up at my door the night before Thanksgiving with air mattresses, games, and their PJs for a family sleepover. Once again, they were all under one roof. Man, was I filled with joy! I felt so loved, and everything felt right.
My family eventually went to their own homes. But I still remember how it felt to be all together even if just for a little while. I can only imagine what it will be like when all God’s preparation for His family to be together again comes to fruition – at last! A family sleepover that never ends! Oh what joy! Oh what love!
Reflection: God will make His dwelling place directly with humanity. How does this ultimate goal shape your understanding of the entire biblical story?
