Devotion:
Read Revelation 21:1-6.
Revelation is not my favorite book of the Bible to teach, so I usually select it for a Bible study only when it is requested by the participants. It is a valuable book of the New Testament, and it, like all Scripture, is inspired, so we indeed should study it. Revelation is apocalyptic writing, with lots of symbolism and imagery. I understand it best when I go beyond the literal scenes and images and seek the deeper meaning. When I teach it that way, a few are disappointed because they want to find current events in every image, but many others appreciate this deeper and less literal way of viewing Revelation in order to see the timeless truth and beauty.
Today’s passage is part of the beautiful ending of the Revelation, which can be summed up as this, “God wins!” After chapters depicting hunger, war, disease, violence, and punishment, we come to this passage in Chapter 21; and we read that all things are being renewed. Perhaps the very best part is that, in the end, God will come from heaven to dwell among us. All things will be made new, and we will drink from the spring of the water of life. We Christians should lift our heads and live with a sense of peace and joy, because we know how the story ends. God wins, and we will be with God!!
Personal Worship Option:
Give thanks today that we do not need to live with a sense of gloom and foreboding. Through Jesus Christ, God has given us the gift of salvation. Embrace that gift and live life fully, abundantly, and joyfully. Praise God!
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