Awaiting The New Jerusalem

Monday, May 4

Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV)

“ Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Devotion

John described the future new heaven and new earth, and the new Jerusalem coming down from God out of heaven in today’s scripture seen in a vision. With the passing of the old heaven and old earth comes the ushering in of the new! The new city is described as a beautifully adorned bride signifying purity and joyful expectation of the union of the church with God in a final dwelling place. “The Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them. And they shall be His people, and God himself will be with them, and be their God.” (hallelujah!)

As the time draws closer and closer to the coming of the Lord we find ourselves in a waiting place. Our faith is in God and so we look forward to all things He says He will do, to come to pass, as He is a God who keeps His word. We anticipate as His bride that our groom is preparing a place for us and that He will take us to Himself and dwell with us forever more. It is of great comfort to us that the pain and suffering, sorrow and woe of this life will be no more. To dwell with our God forever more is a glorious future in store for every believer!

Do we aimlessly exist during this waiting period? No, for a bride is in constant preparation once she becomes engaged. There is so much to do to get ready for the big event, and there are so many that need to be invited. But as the day draws near she prepares herself, in every way, and her heart and her eyes are focused and watchful with eager expectation for the day that the groom will come!

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for the promise of the new heaven and new earth and the hope of the New Jerusalem where You will dwell with Your people forever. Strengthen our hearts as we wait with faith and expectation. Purify us as Your bride, and help us live each day ready for Your return. Wipe away our distractions and fill us with longing for You above all else. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Shift your focus from temporary struggles to eternal realities. Live each day with the awareness that everything God has promised is certain and coming.

Resources

• Did you miss yesterday’s message? Catch “A Glimpse of Heaven,” the powerful conclusion to our The Return of Jesus series, and be reminded of the eternity that awaits those in Christ.

• Download this week’s wallpaper and keep a powerful reminder before you all week—God is greater than every challenge and sovereign over all things. Wallpaper