Listen

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne say, “Look! God’s dwelling is here with humankind. He will dwell with them, and they will be his peoples. God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more. There will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look! I’m making all things new.” He also said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “All is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will freely give water from the life-giving spring.”

Revelation 21:1-6

Think

In the book of Revelation, we discover another dream or vision. This time, instead of Peter and Cornelius, the visionary is John, and the message is all about hope. The place described here is a new heaven that God has prepared, and we learn that this is where God lives.

Praise the Lord! God will be God and dwell with us; God will provide life that is brand new.

Think about and reflect on what this new heaven might look like from the viewpoint of believers today. As we read these verses about a new heaven and new earth, we are reminded once again of creation and joyfully return to Genesis 1:31 to read: “God saw everything he had made: it was supremely good.” Praise the Lord!

Ka’thy Gore Chappel

Pray

Creator God, I celebrate the vision and promise of a new heaven! Thank you for the peace of knowing that I will be in your presence. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Go

Go with God courageously into the world to face life’s barriers.

Go with God confidently to overcome them.

Praise the Lord!