Revelation 21: 1-8

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Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.” And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children.
— Revelation 21: 1-8

My Two Cents….

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This is one of my favorite passages to read at a funeral. It is an ancient vision of a time when all the inconsistencies, injustices, hurts, and sufferings of this life come to an end.

It is a heavenly vision. John, the writer of Revelation, imagines a new heaven and a new earth that are hurt-free. Resurrection, restoration, and transformation comingle in a yet-to-be-experienced reality. None of the divisions, conflicts, or concerns that plague life are present. All are made new by God, the source of all life.

I like the universal nature of the focus. ALL people will know God’s presence. This knowledge and experience will bring peace, shalom, wholeness. What an incredible thought and a dream worth dreaming!

What would it look like this week, if we all lived as though this vision was already reality? How might we treat others differently? What biases and prejudices do we need to push aside? How might we engage in helping those who are hurting and wipe their tears?

In Christ’s Light,

Walt


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