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 3: Preparing a Place
Read John 14:1-4
1“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Read Revelation 21:1-3
1Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 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.
I love to have my granddaughters spend the night! The week they are scheduled to come, I go into planning and shopping mode. “Their” room is spruced up and their favorite books set out. Pizza or dino chicken nuggets are usually on the menu, and it might be pancakes or waffles with whipped cream and sprinkles for breakfast the next morning. I plan baking and craft projects, manicures at “Mimi’s Salon,” and a sleepover at Mimi and Gaga’s wouldn’t be complete without a dip in the hot tub, forts in the kitchen with Gaga, and their favorite snacks!
I am pooped by the time they leave, but I love creating a special place and time for them, simply because I love them and I want them to know how special they are to me. The stickers, glue, and dolls all over the house are completely worth it when I see the excitement in their eyes.
That’s what I think about when I think of heaven. I smile when I think about all that has gone into God’s preparation for me to arrive at heaven’s gates. The time, the sacrifice, the love. Much like I prepare in anticipation of my granddaughters’ arrival, God prepares in anticipation of his children…me and you. Simply because He loves us. We matter to Him, and so He prepares a place for us. He has been working on it since the very beginning of time.
I don’t know if there will be dino nuggets and pancakes with sprinkles in heaven – although I kinda hope there are – I know that God has prepared with me in mind. And so I wait in eager anticipation to be with Him, too!
Reflection: Jesus promises a physical place prepared specifically for you. How does this change your view of death and eternity?
