Bible Pathways 12/31/2003
December 31
Read Revelation 21 -- 22
In Today's Reading:
The new heaven and the new earth; the heavenly Jerusalem; Christ's coming
The Lord did not leave us with uncertainty as to what lies beyond the grave. All true followers of Christ will dwell in a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God (Revelation 21:1-3).
Our war against sin will soon end and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away (21:4).
Just think! There will be no more crying, no physical distress, and no suffering; and no condemnation will press on our consciences. There will be no fear of evil for there shall in no wise enter into it (the holy city, new Jerusalem) any thing that defiles, neither whatsoever works abomination (detestable sins), or makes a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's Book of Life (21:27) will be there.
Oh! the joy that awaits us in its full realization. Praise the Lord! We soon will be welcomed home by our wonderful Lord! We close this glorious revelation of Jesus Christ, having completed the reading of the entire God-given Guide to Life: And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that hears say, Come. And let him that is thirsty come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely (Revelation 22:17).
Cross References:
For Revelation 21:5: See Isaiah 25:8. Revelation 21:23: See Isaiah 29:33. Revelation 21:25: See Isaiah 60:11. Revelation 21:27: See Isaiah 52:1. Revelation 22:2: See Ezekiel 47:12; Genesis 2:9. Revelation 22:3: See Zechariah 14:11. Revelation 22:12: See Isaiah 40:10. Revelation 22:13: See Isaiah 44:6; 48:12. Revelation 22:16: See Isaiah 11:1. Revelation 22:18: See Deuteronomy 12:32.
Prayer Needs:
BP Staff: Barbara Bivens · Pray for The Spoken Word of God Ministries and Jack Turney, President · for the International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. John A. Hash · Government Officials: Rep. Jeff Flake (AK) and Rep. Harold Rogers (KY) · Country: Iran (65 million) in southwestern Asia · Major languages: Farsi and Turki · Hostile to all Christian activity · 98% Muslim; .4% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Bless the Lord at all times regardless of circumstances (Psalm 34:1).
Memory Verse for the Week: Revelation 2:22-23