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Scripture

“See! I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

Observation

John describes the new Jerusalem.

In the new Jerusalem the presence of God is so strong that there is no need for a light such as the sun and moon because the glory of God lights the city.

The nations will walk by the light of the city and kings will come to bring their glory to it. Nothing unclean can come into the city, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

The river of life flows from the throne of God and the tree of life grows on both sides of the river. The tree bears fruit all year long, and its leaves bring healing to the nations.

Application

Our first impulse is to read this passage as relating to the end times. In one sense this is true, but we need to see that this city is on earth not in heaven and it is here and now not in the future.

The city represents the church, the body of believers around the world. The light of the glory of God shines from us into the world. We are the temple of God and so there is no need for a physical temple. The river of life flows from us into the world bringing life and healing to all who will receive Christ.

Wherever I am today is somehow a part of God’s plan of transforming the world by bringing people into a living relationship with Him.

And this is now, not one day in the future.

Prayer

Lord you have called me into your glorious kingdom through the death and resurrection of your dear Son. Let your glory shine through me into the nations. Amen.

Reference: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+21.1-8

Scripture

Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.”

Observation

A new heaven and a new earth are created, and the New Jerusalem comes down from heaven.

The home of God is now with men. He dwells with us and wipes away every tear. All death and its accompaniments of grief, crying and pain are gone.

Those who stand firm in Christ will inherit all things, but those who oppose God’s ways will be sent to the lake of fire.

Application

In many ways this passage is already true although for now we see partly and in the future we will see it clearly.

The New Jerusalem is the church, the bride prepared for her husband. Death has been conquered, and Christ is on the throne. He is making all things new and He gives us His living water.

All of this is the inheritance of the saints now.

There will be a future judgement, and we must be ready for that. The children of God, the disciples of Christ, will be ushered into an eternity of grace and life.

What a joy is given to those who walk with Him- in this life and the next.

Prayer

Thank you, Jesus. You bring such hope and joy in this life, but the best is yet to come. Hallelujah! Amen.

Reference: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+5.11-14

Scripture

To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb

be praise and honour and glory and power

for ever and ever!

Observation

In heaven the voices of many angels sing glory to the Lord- ten thousand times ten thousand of them. They sing, “Worthy is the Lamb to receive honour.”

Then the whole of creation joins in- every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth and on the sea.

Application

This is a massive chorus of praise to God- the millions of angels and then every creature in the whole of creation.

The time is coming when even those who deny the Lord will be forced to honour Him and recognise that He is worthy of praise,

The whole of creation praises the Lord- every bird and animal, the flowers and fish, the stars and comets. There is an awesome symphony of praise to God going on constantly.

At the moment we see this very dimly and join in imperfectly. The effects of sin in our world blind us to the glory of God. But the day is coming when we will see the Lord as He really is, and then our worship will be pure.

So for now we praise in part and worship weakly. But we need to give Him all that we can, for He is worthy of our praise.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are the Lamb who was slain. I praise you. I thank you for dying for my sin. I thank you for the privilege of being a part of your kingdom. May my days be filled with your praise. Amen

Reference: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=revelation+1.1-8

Scripture

To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom of priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Observation

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, given by God to John. There is a blessing for everyone who reads the words of the prophecy aloud and for those who hear it.

John writes to the seven churches in Asia. Jesus is coming with the clouds and everyone will see Him.

Application

The book of Revelation starts with this big doxology of praise and worship to God. John has seen something huge and is caught up in praise.

We need to train our hearts and minds to recognise who God is, what Christ has done and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. When we think and mediate on these things, we too will be moved to praise Him.

Jesus is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him. As followers of Jesus we can see Him before that day and worship Him in the present time.

Prayer

So soon after the celebration of your death and resurrection, Lord Jesus, our hearts are filled with awe and praise. May that continue through every day. Amen.