Bible in a Year:
Look! Gods dwelling place is now among the people.
The little boy excitedly ripped open a big box from his serviceman daddy, whom he believed wouldnt be home to celebrate his birthday. Inside that box was yet another giftwrapped box, and inside that box was another that simply held a piece of paper saying, Surprise! Confused, the boy looked upjust as his dad entered the room. Tearfully the son leapt into his fathers arms, exclaiming, Daddy, I missed you and I love you!
That tearful yet joyful reunion captures the heart of Revelation 21s description of the glorious moment when Gods children see their loving Father face to facein the fully renewed and restored creation. There, [God] will wipe every tear from [our] eyes. No longer will we experience pain or sorrow, because well be with our heavenly Father. As the loud voice in Revelation 21 declares, Look! Gods dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them (vv. 34).
Theres a tender love and joy that followers of Jesus already enjoy with God, as 1 Peter 1:8 describes: Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. Yet imagine our incredible, overflowing joy when we see the one weve loved and longed for welcoming us into His open arms!
What do you most look forward to about life in Gods presence in the restored creation? How do you experience glimpses of that joy now?
Loving God, we anticipate with joy the day when we will be with You. Until then, help us to happily serve You as we wait.
Good evening, May, and thank you for today’s sustenance for body and soul.
Hope you’ve got some good rest.