3-5 I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s, their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.” The Enthroned continued, “Look! I’m making everything new. Write it all down—each word dependable and accurate.”
Reflection
John sees an amazing sight. It is something no one has ever seen nor will ever see until that day arrives. Scene by blessed scene passes before the prophet. Finally, he is transported to the end of history only to discover it is no end at all; it is a new beginning. The prophecies, every last one of them, are coming true. God’s plan will be done on earth as it is in heaven when the new Jerusalem comes down and He lives among His people. All things will become new.
Three fundamental features of what John sees are noteworthy. 1) Continuity: the new heavens and new earth do not replace the old, as though God is starting over, this world God’s good creation is not replaced, it is fully released. 2) This worldly location: John sees the heavenly city descend to a renewed earth, the object of our Creator’s love and action. This is the fulfillment of God’s promise and faithfulness. 3) Community: The city represents community, life together. Spiritual existence is not individualistic, it is communal. The community of faith, people of God, is the anticipation of this new city. Paul pictures transformation and inclusion – it is inconceivably large.
This scripture is a future vision of God’s love, grace, forgiveness, and blessings.
The following short story is a picture of those same things in our time.
In a small, quiet, town, nestled between hills and valleys, lived a man named Samuel. He was known by many as a bitter, angry soul. In his youth, Samuel had been a kind and talented artist, but after a tragic car accident taking the lives of his wife and son, he turned away from God—and everyone else.
Years passed. A woman named Grace moved into the neighboring cottage and went to introduce herself to Samuel by knocking on his door. He scowled at her and slammed the door.
Not discouraged, Grace began leaving little things on Samuel’s doorstep—a warm loaf of bread, fresh flowers, or a note with a Bible verse. He threw most of them away, but one day, a note caught his eye:
“I will never leave you nor forsake you. – Hebrews 13:5”
He read it again and again and something stirred within him.
Grace knocked on his door again, and this time, he opened it. They began to talk more often as time passed.
One day Grace told Samuel God hadn’t forgotten him, that God’s love is not about deserving, but about mercy and grace. That even in the deepest pain, God waits with open arms.
One night, Samuel broke down, “I cursed God. I hated Him. I told Him I wished He was dead.” He wept. “How could He ever forgive me?” Grace responded. “The same way He forgave the thief on the cross. The same way He forgives me. Through Jesus.”
Through broken sobs, he asked God for forgiveness—and felt something lift, the weight of anger and guilt. In its place was a quiet peace.
Samuel became a new man. Slowly, he painted again. Years later, when Samuel passed away, Grace found a letter he had left on his easel.
“To the God I once hated: thank You for never leaving me. Thank You for Your grace, Your love, and—forgiving even the worst of us. You are truly good. Always have been. I just didn’t see it until You sent Grace…”
by Clarence Beverage
For Pondering and Prayer
As individuals we all have different preferences and are touched in different ways.
Is the picture painted by John of God’s love, grace, forgiveness, and blessings, in a future time that is unimaginably awesome, extremely moving for you?
Or, does the story of Grace and Samuel move you and allow you to feel God’s love, grace, forgiveness, and blessings more strongly.?
Is there a real-life story that is even more meaningful?
Prayer: Lord God, we thank you for stories that touch hearts, our minds and souls. We thank you for the presence of your Spirit who carries us forward and opens our hearts and minds to see more and more of what you have already prepared for us. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen.
