December 30

A Glimpse of Heaven 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 149:1-9 | Malachi 1:1-2:17 | Revelation 21:1-27 | Proverbs 31:10-24

Today’s Scripture Focus: Revelation 21

“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live 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 or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:3-4 NIV).

Clearly, heaven is a place of indescribable beauty: Precious stones of every sort; streets of gold; gates made of a single pearl. The beauty of the scene described is just about impossible to imagine–and I sense in John’s words that the beauty he is seeing is much more than his words can begin to describe.

More glorious than the beauty of the place is the beauty of the one who is seated on the throne. No need for sunlight, because of the glorious splendor of the radiance of the Father and the Son.

But what makes heaven even more glorious is the nature of our relationship with God. He himself will be with us. He will wipe every tear from our eyes. We will be with God. He will be with us. We will be his people. The words suggest a greater intimacy than is possible in our lives here and now.

Try to grasp the beauty of heaven as you read through the text. Stand in awe of the beauty. Then try to grasp the beauty of the one seated on the throne and the Lamb. Worship them. This is your eternal occupation. But you don’t have to wait until you get to heaven to get started. We can begin now.

Come rule and reign, Lord Jesus! Make us worshippers here as we anticipate worship in eternity. Amen.