SCRIPTURE: Revelation 21
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” [Revelation 21:3-4]
In case we get confused and distracted by all the details and symbols, may the main point of this vision be heard loud and clear: God is restoring paradise, and bringing us back into the beauty of life and fellowship with Him.
All of the symbols and rituals and visions and dreams are limited, time bound symbols that point to the main thing – God’s love for us and His goal to restore us and His world.
With a sigh of relief, we hear the loud voice cry out “Look!”
Isn’t this what we are hoping for, isn’t this what every soul desperately longs for, whether they realize or admit it or not?
That day is coming – whatever horrible and hellish things may come first – that day is coming, and those who hang on by faith will see it!

For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. [John 17:2-4]
Jesus’ role is to establish this kingdom through His death and resurrection.
He is the one that defeats the old order of things, and establishes the new order!
And what is that new order – religion, ceremony, temples, clergy, sacraments – no, these are all symbols, shadows that point to the real thing.
Fellowship with God and Jesus – this is what eternal life is!
Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. [Colossians 2:16-17]
Or consider how John sees the new reality: I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. [Revelation 21:22]
The temple – ultimate symbol of God’s being in fellowship with us – is no longer needed, it’s redundant.

Nice thing is, we do not need to wait for the end to start experiencing this reality now.
We don’t need to perform religious rituals, go to religious people, or attend religious services at religious sites.
We have the Spirit of God in us, we are temples of the living God [1 Corinthians 3:16], He lives in us and with us – the eternal life of fellowship has already begun.
Yes, we can look forward to when it will finally be accomplished fully, but in the meantime we can already enjoy it now.
There may still be tears, there may still be sorrow, but we are not alone or abandoned.
He is with us, and we can experience Him everywhere and always!
We can both anticipate and experience the reality of life restored with God and Jesus through the Spirit… are you?

PRAYER:
Lord, my heart yearns within me to be free from the tears and struggles. Thank You that I can already now experience the wonder and joy of fellowship with You!