Pause

If you think of glory as light, it is bright; we are amazed and blinded in its presence.

Love, though, is warm; we are invited to enter it, to be enveloped by its welcome.

Imagine these two portions of the spectrum coming together, one bleeding into the other, each becoming part of the other. You find it hard to distinguish them as separate.

Now think of God.

Listen

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Revelation 21:1-2

Think

Spring cleaning is in the air. Often that means out with the old and in with the new! Cleaning out closets is such a chore, but it comes with its own perks, one of them being the inspiration to shop for something new.

There is nothing better than opening a new package. Tearing off the plastic cover, ripping off the price tag, and using the brand new item for the first time — it’s all so very exciting. Even the smell of a new car’s interior can be intoxicating.

Today’s passage tells us — no, promises us — that there is something brand new in sight for God’s people.

A new heaven, a new earth, a new city, a new Jerusalem. Friends, God has something new in store for us, too. Turns out there is something better than opening a new package after all.

Aram Bae

Pray

God of glory and love, I trust that you are a God who brings wholeness and newness to my life. When I am tired and needing change in my life, remind me that you give life, and life to the fullest. Amen.

Go

God the Creator, guide my heart and fill it with kindness and gentleness.
God the Redeemer, clear my mind and focus me with mercy and grace.

God the Sustainer, steady my soul and convict it with justice and truth.

As you bless me today with your glory and love, may I bless others too.