THERE WILL BE ENDLESS DISCOVERY
And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. … And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” … The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city.
Revelation 21:2, 5a, 24-26 (NLT)
This picture of heaven is far different from what I grew up understanding. As we have discussed, God will make everything new on this new physical earth and universe for us to serve and enjoy in our new resurrected physical bodies. Some see the descriptions of the size and features of the New Jerusalem as symbolic of God's total dwelling place with His people. But physical bodies on a physical earth, which is now heaven, will need a real physical place to live.
Notice that Revelation mentions nations and kings in this new earth, which could mean there will still be human cultures, organizations and leaders, yet without sin. This is not a picture of uniformity or loss of identity. Rather, it shows that the best of human culture, art, music, craftsmanship, literature, technology and every noble achievement will be purified, redeemed and carried into eternity. What we create under God’s inspiration will find its place in the city of God, and we will continue to develop it.
Because our Creator is infinite, eternity will never grow stale. We will never exhaust learning more about God. We get to spend endless ages discovering more of His character, wisdom, love and glory. We will also explore the renewed creation itself, traveling to every place on this new earth and exploring every culture. There will be no boredom, only ever-increasing joy in discovery.
APPLICATION: A heart hungry for God now prepares you to delight in endless discovery later. Live with eternity in view and let every glimpse of His glory fuel your longing for more.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for promising to make everything new and inviting us into a future of endless discovery. Help me live with eternity in view, cultivating wonder and faithfulness today so I may delight in Your infinite glory forever. 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?