Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Monday, November 2, 2015
Today’s Scripture:
“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:” “And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel…And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (Revelation 22:1–3; 21:12, 14).
Today’s Observation:
Have you ever sat and tried to imagine living in the Holy City? What did you envision? What sounds did you hear? What aromas wafted through the untainted air? Did you see loved ones you had not seen in years? How did Jesus look? How did the Father look?
Unfortunately, most of us do not consider heaven or New Jerusalem to be real places. If we consider them at all, many of us make them some sort of amusement park with fantastical rides and fairy tale scenes that all evaporate as though we are awakening from a midday nap. Fortunately, the Bible assures us that God’s reward is very real and will not evaporate for those who keep our trust in Him.
The description of the city bears striking resemblance to the Garden of Eden. There’s a Tree of Life; there are luxuriant fruits; and there’s a river with unique features. Sometimes I wonder if the city is Eden, whole or in part. I don’t know. Just as striking are the differences. There’s no more curse. God cursed the ground because of Adam and Eve’s sins. The Father and Jesus are there, not just in the cool of the day. The angels stationed at the gates do not have a flaming sword to guard the way to the Tree of Life. And inscribed in the very architecture of the city are names representative of all of God’s people. Nevermore will we need to worry about that ol’ serpent called the devil and Satan. Nevermore will we need to avoid reaching forth our hands and plucking fruits from any fruited tree in the presence of God. Finally, after the 1,000 years are finished, all of God’s children will have all tears wiped from our eyes and we will be healed. What a wonderful day that will be.
A Prayer for Your Hearts:
Lord, please help us never to lose sight of you. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.
