Revelation 21. So much good stuff here I could only touch the hem of the garment as I write. but I’d like to bring out several items that struck me as I read.
First, please stop right now and read verses 3-4. Every time I read or hear this I see the scene from Titanic where the priest is quoting this while hanging on and others are desperately seeking last minute help. But it is far more than a movie clip; it is a promise. There will come a day when there will be no more tears, no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. There will be no more of any of the earthly pain we experience as we go “further up and further in” to quote a saying from The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis in the Chronicles of Narnia.
Second, there will be some who will not be welcome, the door will be shut forever (verse 8). That list is devastating in its content. Throw in verse 27 and it gets even tighter. Heaven will not be fore those who reject God’s truth, grace and forgiveness.
Third, all things will be made new. In that newness, God will be enough. Verse 23 says He is all we need.
The culmination will be chapter 22. That’s tomorrow. But for today, I echo the Unicorn from The Last Battle: “This is the land! This is what I have been looking for all my life!”
“Father, there is both good and bad in this chapter. For those whose robes have been washed white, there is heaven. For all those who refuse, rejection forever. I have mixed emotions. Joy and sadness. Joy for me; sadness for all those who have and continue to say, ‘Get away’ to You. Thank You for saving me.”
Oh, Amen, Bill!
Thanks Diane.
I can only imagine how much God’s heart is broken knowing He gave every opportunity for ALL to be saved and not perish… He gave it all, through the separation He was required to endure when Jesus became the sin of the world past, present, and future. To see His own son tortured, crucified, and killed.
The sad part is that it paid it all that no one has to suffer or be separated from God for eternity, yet some will still choose that path. My prayer is that God opens my eyes to the opportunity to share His Forgiving Love with someone whose eternal life depends on it.
Those were my thoughts as well Ryan. I know how much it pains me to know of those who turn their back on God. I simply cannot imagine the depth of pain He must feel after doing what you have related. And I second your prayer.
Sadly, tragically, those who won’t accept God in this life, who turn their backs on Him, have nothing good to look forward to once they die. Makes me feel the urgency of praying for them.
Blessings, Bill!
Sadly, Martha, it is true. And yes, it should drive us to pray for them.
There may be two comments that appear here eventually, Bill, as I left one earlier that doesn’t seem to have “taken.” Anyway, bottom line is I grieve for those who have refused God’s invitation as I know it must break God’s heart, too. I pray these folks will see the light and truth and grace of Jesus before it’s too late.
Blessings!
It did take Martha. but I agree with you about them seeing the light before it is too late.