In Progress
How will it all end?
Have you ever looked forward to your destination? Perhaps you’d been away for some time, there’s a long journey home, and throughout the queues and long motorway miles, there’s a hope that keeps you going…
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. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 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. 4 “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.’
5 He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’
Revelation 21
We want things right now. Of course we do. It’s only natural that we want the future to start right away. But that’s not how it works. God is preparing; this bride takes some ‘getting ready’.
God will do it. He is preparing the eternal city. It’s inevitable and certain, but we have to wait. This might frustrate us, but it’s really good news. He is making everything new.
And God tells John to write down this promise. With most people the future is doubtful, you never know if it’s going to happen. But not with God. He will do it – He is doing it. These words are trustworthy and true, and we need to trust Him.
Putting it into Practice
- Our word might be unreliable – even if we mean well, there is still doubt about whether we can deliver. Good news! God’s good future is being prepared. Trust Him.
- We doubt and struggle to believe. Take time today to remind your fellow Christians that God is at work, preparing a wonderful future. Which person do you know who needs this encouragement today?