January 17, 2017 – Revelation 21:1-2

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. Revelation 21:1-2In the first verse of Revelation, it reveals the testimony of Jesus Christ written down by John. Have you ever had a dream that made you wonder if it is real or not?  This was not a dream but reality — the real truth Jesus gave John.  Did Jesus choose John to write this down because of his good penmanship?  No, it is because of John’s faith in Jesus and his love.When I see the world God created by speaking around me, I wonder how God could destroy our home.  The loveliness of the heavens, the richness of color that surrounds us in the sunsets, the newness of Spring, and snowflakes kiss our noses, I wonder how can God destroy this world.  Yet, the new earth and heavens are even more glorious.  The constant presence of God will make it so.We are often frightened of change, but when our God changes things it is always more awesome than the old earth can ever be.  God will live with us, and we will be his people because of Jesus Christ’s gift of life when we believe.  God wipes away every tear from our eyes and all the things that cause tears here on the old earth.No more death, sorrow or crying or pain will we have on the new earth.  No more ‘owies’ from the scraped knees to losing those we love by their deaths.  These things are gone forever.When the computer doesn’t work, the latest car doesn’t run on earth, or the furnace heats, I remember that man-made things break down.  Things God creates are forever.  There is no expiration date on God’s love or on Jesus’ grace He extends to us here on earth.I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:3-4