There
are so many blessings waiting for us in eternity with Jesus. John tells us that
there is a crystal clear river flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb,
straight down the middle of the Street of Gold (Revelation 22:1-5; John
4:13-14).
On
each side of the river stands the Tree of Life that yields new fruit every
month. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. There will be
no more strife and division between the nations under the rule of King Jesus.
God
will heal all of creation (Revelation 22:3), which has been groaning for the
revealing of the Sons of God since the curse began (Romans 8:19). When we see
creation suffering in this present time, we realize the depth of the consequences
of our sins, and we never want to sin again.
Jesus
lifted the curse by His crucifixion and resurrection, and in eternity there
will be no more sickness and death and crying (Revelation 21:4). There will also
be no more darkness and night, because God's presence gives us Light.
Every
aspect of the new heaven and new earth (Rev 21:1-3) will be blessed of God:
sinless perfection, benevolent government, harmony among the nations, glorified
Saints in an immortal body, etc. We will live in the atmosphere of Paradise
once again.
As
His servants we will serve Him, and we shall behold His gracious face forever. We
enjoy His peace, joy, grace and forgiveness now, and that will continue on into
eternity. His name will be engraved on our foreheads, and we will reign with
Him forever and ever.
Prayer:
Father
God, Your glorious riches are more than we can comprehend: gates made of one
pearl, streets of gold, crystal river, New Jerusalem with mansion-sized rooms,
etc. Your creation on earth is perfection itself, but when we realize that
nature is groaning for the revealing of Your sons in order for the curse of sin
to be lifted from the earth, we cannot even imagine the beauty we will behold
in the new heaven and earth.
We
look forward to serving You for eternity, for glorifying the Lamb who is worthy
of all of our praise, for dwelling together with the hosts of angels and all of
Your Saints, for being like Jesus when we see Him face-to-face, for living in
Your very presence forevermore, etc. Thank You for Your plan of salvation that
forgives our sins, and gives us the opportunity to live as co-heirs with Jesus
of Your Kingdom that is without end.
Thought
for the Day:
During
the seven years of the Great Tribulation, God will destroy the decaying,
corrupt cosmos in which we now dwell; and then He will create a new heaven and
earth that will mirror His glory, giving a supernatural body and existence to
authentic Believers for eternity in order for us to serve at His pleasure.
-
Ezekiel 12:22; Matthew 24:43; John 3:16-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:4,
13; 2 Corinthians 5:17
