Transformed by Truth: A glimpse into glory Revelation 21:2-4
Introduction:
Today, we will be diving into a passage from the Book of Revelation, a text rich with promise and hope for every believer. Revelation 21:2-4 gives us a glimpse into the future glory that awaits us, a vision of the new heaven and new earth, where God dwells with His people.
Revelation 21:2-4 (NLT): "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, 'Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.'"
From this passage, we will explore three key points: The Beauty of the New Jerusalem, The Presence of God with His People, and The End of Suffering.
Point 1: The Beauty of the New Jerusalem
Revelation 21:2 (NLT): "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband."
John’s vision of the new Jerusalem is a powerful image of beauty and purity. The city is described as a bride adorned for her husband, symbolizing the intimate and joyous relationship between God and His people. This new Jerusalem represents the fulfillment of God's promises and the restoration of all things.
Isaiah 62:5 (NLT): "Your children will commit themselves to you, O Jerusalem, just as a young man commits himself to his bride. Then God will rejoice over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride."
Isaiah 62:5 beautifully depicts God's relationship with His people using the metaphor of a bride and bridegroom. This imagery underscores the intimacy, commitment, and joy that characterize our relationship with God. Just as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so does God rejoice over His people. This promise reflects the deep love and dedication God has for us, signifying a relationship filled with joy and celebration.
Hebrews 11:10 (NLT): "Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God."
This verse highlights Abraham's faith as he looked forward to the eternal city built by God. Abraham's journey was not merely about reaching a physical destination but about seeking the heavenly city—God's kingdom. This forward-looking faith is a model for us, urging us to set our sights on God's eternal promises rather than temporary earthly dwellings.
Think of a wedding day, where every detail is meticulously planned and every effort is made to present the bride in her most beautiful and radiant form. This is how God sees His relationship with us—precious, cherished, and adorned in glory.
John Piper once said, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." The beauty of the new Jerusalem reflects the satisfaction and glory that comes from being in perfect communion with God.
Point 2: The Presence of God with His People
Revelation 21:3 (NLT): "I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, 'Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.'"
The declaration from the throne emphasizes God's desire to dwell among His people. This is the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant relationship that God has always intended. The phrase "God himself will be with them" speaks to the personal and intimate nature of this relationship.
Leviticus 26:11-12 (NLT): "I will live among you, and I will not despise you. I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people."
God’s promise in Leviticus 26:11-12 is about His presence among His people. This covenant assures us that God desires a close relationship with us, walking among us and being our God. It echoes the Edenic fellowship and looks forward to the ultimate fulfillment in the new heaven and new earth where God will dwell with His people eternally.
John 1:14 (NLT): “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”
John 1:14 emphasizes the incarnation, where the eternal Word became flesh and dwelled among us. This verse encapsulates the miracle of Jesus’ incarnation—God becoming man to live among His creation, showing us unfailing love and faithfulness. It signifies God's profound commitment to be with His people and reveals His glory through Jesus Christ.
Consider the joy and comfort of being reunited with a loved one after a long separation. This is a small picture of the profound joy and peace we will experience when God dwells among us fully and perfectly.
C.S. Lewis wrote, "When Christ died, He died for you individually just as much as if you had been the only person in the world." God's presence with us is deeply personal and individual, yet it encompasses the entire redeemed community.
Point 3: The End of Suffering
Revelation 21:4 (NLT): "He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever."
This verse offers one of the most comforting promises in all of Scripture. The complete eradication of suffering, death, and pain signifies the ultimate victory of God’s kingdom. It is a reversal of the curse brought about by sin and a restoration to the intended state of eternal joy and peace.
Isaiah 25:8 (NLT): “He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against his land and people. The Lord has spoken!”
Isaiah 25:8 is a powerful promise of God’s ultimate victory over death and suffering. This verse anticipates the day when God will eradicate death, sorrow, and pain, bringing about a new era of eternal life and joy. It offers profound hope, pointing to the ultimate restoration and renewal of all things.
Romans 8:18 (NLT): "Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later."
Romans 8:18 provides a perspective on present sufferings in light of future glory. Paul reassures believers that the trials and tribulations we endure now are insignificant compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. This perspective encourages perseverance and hope, knowing that our future in Christ far outweighs any present difficulties.
Imagine the relief and joy of a patient who has been battling a long and painful illness when they finally hear the words, "You are healed." This is the kind of joy and relief we will experience when God removes all suffering.
Charles Spurgeon once said, "The Lord gets His best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction." Our current sufferings are preparing us for the incomparable glory that is to come.
Conclusion and Application:
Each of these scriptures collectively reinforces the themes of God’s presence, His promises, and the hope of future glory. They remind us of the intimate relationship God desires with us, the fulfillment of His eternal promises, and the assurance of His victory over all suffering and death. Let us hold fast to these truths, living with faith and hope in the promises of our loving God.
In conclusion, Revelation 21:2-4 gives us a vision of hope and restoration. The beauty of the new Jerusalem, the presence of God among His people, and the end of all suffering are promises that should transform our lives today.
Call to Action:
Embrace the Promise: Live with the assurance of God's beautiful future for you. Let this hope influence your daily choices and attitudes.
Seek His Presence: Cultivate an intimate relationship with God. Spend time in prayer, worship, and the Word to experience His presence now.
Share the Hope: Be a beacon of hope to others. Share the promises of Revelation 21 with those who are hurting and in need of the hope we have in Christ.
Let us pray together, asking God to help us live in the light of His promises, embracing His presence, and sharing His hope with the world. Amen.
