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Revelation 21:1-5, Then 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.  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 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. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

John’s final vision is that the redemption of creation is now complete.  The old earth and creation, that which was broken and sinful, has passed away and a new earth has come. Finally.  This is what we have been waiting for.  God’s people reside in this new earth.  There is no more populace simply mechanically following the ways of the world.  There is passion.  God’s people dwell with the Almighty himself, his glory fully revealed.  And now, there will be no moretears, suffering, or loss.  All is new, all is healed, and all is redeemed.

Then, there is a description of God’s Holy City.  Please be sure to read through this beautiful vision.  This city is a place of perfect worship, where humanity is not seeking achievement but rather exists to worship God in the presence of God.  God’s Kingdom is fully revealed and it is incredible.

I have a seminary professor who used to tell us that our lives, as believers, are intended to be a preview to the world of the perfect world to come.  So very convicting!  If someone were to look at your life, what might they deduce about God’s perfect world to come?

Let’s pray…Come, Lord Jesus, come.  Help us be a people and a church ready for you.  In our desire to be ready, help us also be a demonstration of your Kingdom to an unbelieving world.  Lord, reveal to us how we need to change and what we need to do in order to be the people you called us to be.  Amen.