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in Heaven

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

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SCRIPTURE

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! - Revelation 22:20

 

OBSERVATION

What is our response when our boss says they are on their way to the office? How about when a friend calls and says they are around the area and want to stop by your house in a couple of minutes? How confident are you if the IRS auditor emails to say they are coming to review your taxes? Is our reaction a sudden feeling of panic and anxiety? Or do we respond with confidence and assurance? The apostle John (the disciple whom Jesus loved) sure was confident and excited to the coming of Christ. Maybe his age (most scholars believed he lived up to 94 years old!) was the reason why he was eager for the Lord to come. But the length of life lived is not so important as to the quality of a life lived. After all, Jesus died young and had only 3 years of public ministry. Maybe the utopian vision of the new heaven and new earth had hime excited for Christ’s return. Maybe it was a little bit of both. I think the combination of the quality of how he lived his life fully surrendered to Jesus, the length of his faithful service to the church and everything he has heard and seen about the kingdom of God had John confident for Jesus to return.

 

APPLICATION

How eager and confident am I when Jesus says, “Surely I am coming soon”? Might there be any regrets to how I’m living now that might have me saying, “come later, Jesus…”? How often do I pray and live out the Lord’s prayer to let His kingdom come and His will be done? Will I have an Oskar Schindler moment of could have, should have of regret? I’m confident seeing the majesty and beauty of seeing Jesus face to face would completely overwhelm me with gratitude and love. Point of obedience:

 - Love Deeply: Spend daily time in worship, prayer and devotion so that my desire becomes more and more for Jesus to come!

 - Serve Sincerely: Approach each day with maranatha in mind and serve my wife, family and church diligently.

 - Live Healthy: Strive for longevity in life and ministry. Make healthy lifestyle choices in eating and exercising.

 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, 

Thank you that you are coming again! As you invite me to come and freely drink from the water of life (Rev. 22:17) may I not chase the empty and broken water cisterns of materialism, leisure and money. You alone have words of eternal life. Change my heart so that the appeal of this world would grow dim in comparison to you Jesus. I love you. Come, Lord Jesus!

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in Gospel

All Things New

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SCRIPTURE

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” - Revelation 21:5

 

OBSERVATION

The idea of “new” is probably the major theme of Revelation chapter 21. There is to be a new: heaven (v.1); earth (v.1); Jerusalem (v.2); all things (v.5). In fact, Jesus reiterates that he is making all things new and asks John to write it down because the fact that he is making all things new is a trustworthy and true statement. This new earth is a place where God himself will dwell with his people and a place where there is no death, mourning, crying and pain. The new Jerusalem is made of precious stones and jewels where there is no temple because God himself is the temple providing light to the nations. In God’s case, newer is definitely better! 

 

APPLICATION

Reading the all things that Jesus is making new has given me a new hunger and vision of heaven. I am anticipating the day where God himself will dwell with us and among us. I am looking forward to the day where there is no crying, mourning, pain or death. Also, I am realizing that the “new” work that God created started with him making a new humanity i.e. “new creation" with those in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). God categorically made a new heart in me. A new heart with a new desire and appetite that wants to please him, know him, love him and serve him. In Christ, God created a new mind. A mind of Christ to think of things that are noble, pure, true, lovely. Am I walking in the newness of my new self in Christ? Admittedly, I was a lot more looking forward to Thursday night football last night as I was getting up this morning to do my devotions. I was more excited to sit on my couch to watch grown men run around and throw a leather ball back and forth than to sit at the feet of God himself in worship. As I’m writing this, I’m beginning to realize that I’ve definitely fed my old self more than my new self.  This morning is a renewal to my first love to live in my new heart and my new mind.

 

PRAYER

Father God,

Thank you for speaking to me this morning and renewing my fervor for you. Please forgive me for not walking in my new mind in you. I repent for not thinking with the mind of Christ in my situations. Would you please give me grace and strengthen me to walk in the new life with you? I love you. Maranatha!

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