New Jerusalem Here Today

“I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God…. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying ‘Look! God’s dwelling is here with humankind.’” (Revelation 21:2-3)

“I saw the Holy City

Descending from the sky

So brilliant with the light of God

The city is His bride

There is no temple in this town

No sun, no moon, no lamp

For God's own glory is it's light

Illuminated by the Lamb

And God Himself will wipe the tears

From every weeping eye

No death, no pain, no mourning cry

And every tear made dry

CHORUS:

And now our God will dwell with them

The new Jerusalem

And He Himself will walk with them

The new Jerusalem

And so let all of those who thirst

Come now and drink for free

And to the one who overcomes

Come now and you will see

Behold the old has passed away

Now everything is new

The Alpha and Omega's words

Are trustworthy and so true

And God Himself will wipe the tears

From every weeping eye

No death, no pain, no mourning cry

And every tear made dry

CHORUS”

            [--Michael Card from his 1997 album Unveiled Hope]

The future we have to look forward to as God’s people is one of unending hope, blessing and joy – one where all the trials, tribulations, and things that make this present world a challenge will not exist. I don’t know about you, but that’s one I look forward to!  (Not that I want to leave right now, but I have no fear or doubts about the place after this life)

However, while still on earth, each of us today has a responsibility as people of faith to do what we can to bring a little piece of the “new Jerusalem” to our part of the world – to help bring the presence of God closer to people around us; to bring God’s hope, joy, and blessing from heaven of the future to people on earth in the here and now.

So, as we conclude our series on the book of Revelation, I pray that you will not only know and rest in the faith of Jesus that can ensure you a place in the “new Jerusalem” above, but will also do what you can through your words and actions to bring a little bit of that “new Jerusalem” to the lives of those around you here on earth! Remember that God loves you and I do, too!