Posted: 8/17/05
Family Bible Series for August 28
Heaven and hope are on the way
• Revelation 21:1-7; 22-27; 22:1-5
By Mitch Randall
First Baptist Church, Bedford
The book of Revelation has been described as a theological mosaic that shapes the mind for the things to come. While many still believe the book of Revelation is futuristic history yet to be rendered (as the Left Behind series has indicated), that narrow approach strangles the text for the purpose it is trying to serve. The book of Revelation is, quite simply, the book of hope.
The Christians of the first century were suffering under the hostile oppression of Rome—even the author of the book is writing in exile—and the people needed some hope. John’s Revelation paints this incredible portrait of justice and hope for those strangled by the tight grip of the Roman emperor. In the closing chapters of his book, John discovers a new day dawning, a day filled with glory for those committed to the Lord.
Revelation 21:1-7
Instead of seeing the spears of Roman soldiers, John encourages his readers with the comforting image of a new heaven and earth. The things of old—the things the first century Christians were enduring under oppression—would be diminished. In their place would be a New Jerusalem, which every Jewish believer hoped for earnestly. In this incredible image John paints, he ties the old covenant with the new. The promise made to Abraham would continue through the promise of Christ, and eternal hope would be fulfilled.
Just as a bride is loved by her husband, so too will believers be adored by their God. Like strokes of a brush, John leads his readers to the voice crying out. “The home of God is among mortals,” recalls the history of Israel and the life of Jesus. Through both images, God was with his creation—dwelling among them as no other god has ever been pictured. The God of the Bible was a deity who loved his creation so much; he wished to dwell among them.
The tears they shed under the cruelty of Rome would be replaced with a life where tears and death have no authority. A new day was indeed going to dawn. The voice from the throne continues his encouraging words by making readers of the Gospels remember the phrase, “It is finished!” The last time the voice cried out this phrase, Jesus lowered his head, died and heaven wept. Now, those same words are being used to describe something else. Instead of weeping, there will be rejoicing!
Those who remain faithful to the Lord will dwell with him for all eternity. There is no mistaking the thoughts behind these words; John was encouraging his reader’s resolve. No matter how bad things were getting within the Roman Empire, a day was coming when Christ would reign, giving his followers the gift of eternal life with him.
Revelation 21:22-27
The strokes of John’s brush continue as he reveals the place where the followers of God will live. It is a place where God dwells with them. Living in the presence of the Lord will be, as Jesus always taught, living in the light. There will be no need for sun or moon. This place will be where nation lives with nation, brother with brother, and the gates of the city will never be closed. Nothing will enter the city which will defile it, only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Revelation 22:1-5
John’s final stroke with his brush might be the great hope for all of mankind. The living water every human must have to survive will be flowing through the place where God dwells. The food of heaven is nurturing and brings peace to the world. Like an apple pie on a Sunday afternoon, the fruit of heaven establishes an eternal solace.
Remember, the people reading this text for the first time were being oppressed—the basic necessitates of life were being deprived for those suffering at the hand of the Empire. The mention of living water and nutritious fruit would be a welcome thought for those who needed most. John, through his poetic expression, makes it clear for those who were suffering, heaven is a real place, and their residence is secured through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Don’t lose hope; hope is on the way!
Discussion questions
• How do you view the book of Revelation?
• What is the worst suffering you have ever encountered? How would it have made you feel if someone told you hope was on the way?
• Describe what you think of John’s picture of heaven.
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