Revelation 21:1-6
Revelation, also called The Apocalyptic, is steeped in symbolism, bizarre visions, fantasy images, hidden codes and messages. Summarizing in 3 stages there are 52 listings of 7 earthly symbols that represent a completeness of the finish of the existing world. The last two chapters, 21 and 22, usher in a New World, New Jerusalem, New Eden. A time of judgment when Christ will return and separate good from evil to dwell with us in a new earthly heaven like Eden. A dreamlike vision at the depth of great despair.
Written in the later 90’s AD, when the Roman Caesar Domitianus had declared himself Lord, and aggressively was seeking out Jews and Christians to convert or be persecuted. Apostle John, likely author of Revelation, was captured and exiled to the Roman penal colony on the Greek island Patmos where he lived out his final 5 years and wrote Revelation. John was writing to the faithful pleading to hold out faith for a better life ahead.
In May Diane and I visited the cave on Patmos where John lived in exile. A small cave about the size of a small bedroom, a recessed area where a bedroll likely was used, and another hole in a wall 2’ x 3’ x 3’ with a flat base where candles could light up a workplace for writing. As I stood at the workstation, with my hands on the rocky “shelf”, where a few small candles were flickering dim light on the damp and cold surface, I was overwhelmed by the awe of what John must have felt 2000 years earlier.
There are times in everyone’s life when things are just piling up against us, the world is out to get us, everything is lost, life just seems unfair. It is easy at these times to declare “Lord, why have you forsaken me”, and fall into depression, or just give up. Blame it on something or someone else to justify the feelings.
Yet, John took a separate route. He summarized the celebration of Christ’s life and God’s messages from the 7 beatitudes (1:3), 7 Churches and spirits (1:4), 7 trumpets (8:2), 7 thunders (10:3); 7 signs (several), finalizing with the 7 kings (17:10). John declared that there would soon be a victory for good over evil. There would be better days ahead if we would just focus our lives on the promising gift of Jesus’ resurrection. Even death does not have the last word, for it is simply a transition to a new Eden.
Adam Hamilton was asked if he truly believed in the afterlife and promise of heaven. His response was “I not only believe it, I’m banking on it”.
Questions for Reflection:
- Do we have to wait till death to get a sense of God’s presence in heaven?
- When you help at church or on a service project, is that a good feeling we get a foretaste of the feast to come?
- By helping others can we get a sense of what heaven must be like?
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
When the world seems to be falling apart, life seems unfair, everything seems to be going against me, please help me to not turn away from You, but instead turn to You. Guide me to find the path you lay at my feet. Help me to find Your Grace to sustain me through to a new Eden. In Christ's name, Amen.
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