It All Works Out in the End.

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:1-4

Friends, we made it to the last book in the Bible! Revelation is not easy to read, but it is powerful. The entire book is filled with worship. There are battles, villains, armies, and the hero is the Lamb that was slain. In the end, Jesus wins the war just by showing up.

How many times in life do we feel as though the situation we are facing is hopeless? Some of my favorite songs are old bluegrass gospel songs. They mostly speak of heaven. When life is hard (which it often is), it’s good to remember that this world is not our home. We have a home in heaven where there is no more pain or sorrow, crying or death.

God reminds us that it will be alright in the end. If it’s not alright, it’s not yet the end.

Holy God, you see us as we are, and know our inmost thoughts. We confess that we are unworthy of your gracious care. We forget that all life comes from you and that to you all life returns. We have not always sought or done your will.

We have not lived as your grateful children, nor loved as Christ loved us. Apart from you, we are nothing. Only your grace can sustain us. Lord, in your mercy, forgive us, heal us and make us whole.  Set us free from our sin, and restore to us the joy of your salvation now and forever.  Amen.