What is Heaven like? part 4

July 13, 2020 (Monday)

 

Revelation 22 begins with water. There is a saying, “water is life.” Just like the source of light is God, so is the source of water. “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city.” [Revelation 22:1 –2a ESV] Please notice the recurring idea of “God and for the Lamb.” From my theological perspective, I understand God the Father as the provider while Jesus (the Lamb, God the Son) is the means to the provision.

 

The “Tree of Life” was accessible to Adam and Even in the Garden. Its fruit was NOT forbidden to eat. Somehow, I think eating it was encouraged. When Adam sinned, access to the tree of life was denied. Just so happens, it shows up in Heaven! “…On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” [Revelation 22:2 NIV] This tells me the fruit is available for maintaining our eternal bodies. Kind of odd that we would need to eat it; but God’s method of operation is to provide for us freely while giving us the choice to enjoy or reject His provision. No clue why anyone would reject God’s provision at this point, but it’s there just the same as it is now.

 

Ever wonder why humans seem so limited? Its call “the curse.” The good news is, the curse will not reach us in this new Heaven and earth. “There will no longer be any curse. The throne of God and the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.” [Revelation 22:3 CEB] We are not going to be separated from God. We are not going to die. We are not going to be limited by the shackles of this world. Personally I think the awesome part about this is, we will be able to worship God and the Lamb, in truth.

 

Just like Satan wanted to mark humanity with his name/number, God will do so with His people. “And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads.” [Revelation 22:4 NLT] One of the horrible things about our current existence is the absence of God. We have God in the Holy Spirit. He had God in the form of Jesus. However, there has only been a few people who walked, talked, and saw God. This will be no more. Like the Prodigal Son’s dad ran to his returning child, we see the heart of God the Father longing to be with us.

 

Again we are reminded of the absence of darkness. “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.” [Revelation 22:5 NIV] Bad things happen under the cover of darkness. Satan sneaks around in the darkness. God’s light, Jesus (and in us) will shatter the darkness. Completely. Permanently.

 

Let this sink in; God the Father freely provides for our eternal salvation through Jesus. We are offered God’s provision but are free to reject it. Those who accept God’s provision will see an end to the curse.  This provision will allow those who live their acceptance it to worship God and be with God. The word here is “unlimited.” Here is the kicker, God the Father WANTS this to happen.

A free invitation. Everything provided. Ending all limitations and braking all shackles. What are you waiting for? The older I get, the more I think following Jesus is as simple as saying “yes” to the next thing and taking the next “step” God is asking me to take. What is your next “yes?” What is your next “step?”