REIGNING AND WORKING IN HEAVEN
No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. … And they will reign forever and ever.
Revelation 22:3-5 (NLT)
I’m bored. Once a year, my wife and I host a weeklong Camp PawPaw for all five of our grandchildren. We have a great time, and everyone knows that Mimi is the most important person at the camp, if for no other reason, her southern cooking is amazing. But if I hear one more time, I’m bored, I may strangle a precious grandchild. They are so used to being entertained nonstop with activities and screens that anytime things slow down, they are bored. Because many Christians have been led to believe that heaven is eternal rest without responsibility and work, they worry they too will be bored. Here is the good news: you won’t be bored for a moment.
The centerpiece of the new heaven and earth is the new heavenly Jerusalem, which John describes using symbolic language, as in the rest of Revelation, because human words are inadequate to describe this amazing and beautiful new home.
But what will we be doing on this new earth? God already has millions of angels, and we will join those angels in worship, but is that it? While we are not given details, several times Scripture says that we humans will reign forever and ever with Christ. You will have tasks to accomplish and opportunities to use your God-given skills and abilities to serve Him and steward this new earth and creation.
Here’s more good news: your work will no longer include frustration and futility because the curse of sin will be broken. You will work without getting exhausted, and no one will oppose you or have co-workers driving you nuts. No more ego and pride to hinder your progress. It is hard to imagine how delightful work will be when you can use your creative, organizational, and inventive skills to love and serve others and reign with Christ. What you do every day will make a difference, bring joy and glorify God. I can’t wait.
APPLICATION: Realize that what you do now in this life is preparing you for your work in heaven. Every act of faithfulness, every moment of integrity, every small stewardship prepares you for the greater responsibilities awaiting in the renewed world.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for the glorious promise of a curse-free creation where we will reign with You. Open my eyes to see my present work as worship and preparation for eternity. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don't let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?