He Is Coming Soon - October 24

Read Revelation 21:1-4 (ESV)

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Reflect

Even though scholars disagree about how to interpret the book of Revelation, what can we be sure of as we read this apocalyptic book?

Many people consider the book of Revelation to be the most intimidating book of the Bible. It is full of symbolism, complicated imagery, strange visions, and prophecy. Because of this, it is difficult to interpret and scholars differ in their views about this book. So, you may be wondering, should I even bother reading the book of Revelation?

Yes, you should read Revelation, even if you don’t understand everything you read. Why? Because Revelation is a part of God’s Word. He revealed His Word to John with the intention that believers will read it. John was exiled by Rome to the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea. He was an old man by the time he received these visions and wrote them down (about 95 A.D.).

In Revelation 1:1-3, John gave us this introduction: “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.”

First, John addressed seven of the churches in Asia. Even in this first chapter, John made the main point of Revelation clear—that Jesus reigns and He will return soon. “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen” (Revelation 1:7). God revealed these things to John so that we can be assured that Jesus is coming back, and He will triumph over sin, Satan, and death once and for all. This is an important reminder to have in the face of earthly suffering and persecution!

Then, in chapters 2-3, John received and relayed messages from God to each of seven individual churches. These messages included commendations, rebukes, challenges, commands, and comforting promises for those who endure. While it is important for us to understand this section in its specific historical context, we can learn a lot about what God expects regarding the holiness and faithfulness of His church. His Word to the churches is still relevant to us today.

Chapters 4-22 transition to future prophecy. God revealed to John visions and images of the future judgments that are to come: the seven seals, the seven trumpets, the seven bowl judgments, and the Great White Throne judgment. In these judgments, Christ righteously judges those who have rejected His offer of salvation and pours out His wrath on Satan, his demons, and those who follow Satan.

One of the most fascinating things about the book of Revelation is how it contrasts with the book of Genesis. Genesis is about the beginning of this earth while Revelation is about the end of this earth and the beginning of the new heaven and a new earth. Sin and death appeared on the scene in Genesis and sin and death are conquered in Revelation. Today’s verses describe the new heaven and the new earth that John saw. The earth that God created in Genesis passes away in Revelation. Just as Adam and Eve had once walked with God in Genesis, so mankind will walk with God and enjoy His presence once again according to Revelation. Everything that went wrong in Genesis gets made right in Revelation.

Friends, this is our great hope in Christ! This is what He has promised us! He is coming back and when He does, He will dwell among us! We won't suffer anymore. We won’t hurt anymore. We won’t cry anymore. We won’t die anymore! So read the book of Revelation for yourself. “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place. And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book” (Revelation 22:6-7).

Respond

Lord, there is much about You and about the future that I don’t understand. But I know that I can trust You and I know Your Word is true. You will come back soon. You will judge righteously. You will deal with sin and You will punish Satan forever. You will right all of the wrongs of this world. Thank You for the promise of Your glorious return! Thank You for the promise of redemption, salvation, and eternal life with You forever in Christ. Come Lord Jesus. Amen.

Reveal

Share the hope of Revelation 21:1-4 with someone who is grieving, suffering, or discouraged. Remind them that for those who belong to Christ, pain and death do not get the final word. Encourage them with the promise that Jesus is coming again and will make all things new.