And now, the grand finale of this incredible vision! What do we see here? The same thing that was recorded in Genesis 1 and 2, that idyllic time before sin entered the world. There is no curse in this landscape. There is the River of Life again. God’s offspring, his people, walk and talk with him again. But it’s even more glorious now! Adam was to be the first of many brethren who would populate the earth and walk and talk with God. They would be his dwelling place. The kaleidoscope of their personalities and abilities would all fit together perfectly as they live for each other and for the Father and Son.
But sin entered the world and the war with Satan as described in much of Revelation ensued. But this did not dissuade the Father and the Son from moving forward with their purpose. Now, at last, because of the love of the Father for his Son and for his people, and his desire to expand his love, there is a new earth where God dwells in his people, the Bride of Christ, the New Jerusalem, the family of God. All believers, the living stones, all perfectly fitted together, make up this dwelling place for the Trinity. And so it will be throughout unending eternity.
As I read this passage, I cannot help but recall the conversation Jesus had with the woman at the well in Samaria. He asked her for a drink and then offered her living water, water so satisfying that she would never thirst again. Here in this part of John's vision we find the source of that water, a river flowing from the throne right down the middle of the street. Eden is restored. No angels with flaming swords block the entrance. The curse is gone.
And with that, the vision is complete. What Satan had obscured with the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, the veil of sin that made it nearly impossible to perceive God, that seemed it would separate us from the love of God, is no more. The Lamb sacrificed himself because of his overpowering love in order to redeem us. Now those who have his name written on their foreheads will dwell with him and he in them, world without end. God’s original purpose has been accomplished!
But sin entered the world and the war with Satan as described in much of Revelation ensued. But this did not dissuade the Father and the Son from moving forward with their purpose. Now, at last, because of the love of the Father for his Son and for his people, and his desire to expand his love, there is a new earth where God dwells in his people, the Bride of Christ, the New Jerusalem, the family of God. All believers, the living stones, all perfectly fitted together, make up this dwelling place for the Trinity. And so it will be throughout unending eternity.
As I read this passage, I cannot help but recall the conversation Jesus had with the woman at the well in Samaria. He asked her for a drink and then offered her living water, water so satisfying that she would never thirst again. Here in this part of John's vision we find the source of that water, a river flowing from the throne right down the middle of the street. Eden is restored. No angels with flaming swords block the entrance. The curse is gone.
And with that, the vision is complete. What Satan had obscured with the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, the veil of sin that made it nearly impossible to perceive God, that seemed it would separate us from the love of God, is no more. The Lamb sacrificed himself because of his overpowering love in order to redeem us. Now those who have his name written on their foreheads will dwell with him and he in them, world without end. God’s original purpose has been accomplished!
RSS Feed
