Rev 21: 1-8 the new kingdom

I think it's interesting that we look for a king and ruler to bring about His kingdom and reign. Yet this is the exact misunderstanding that the Jews had(have). They thought that the messiah was going to save them from the oppressive nations and establish a rich and powerful nation. Well.... Christ actually came to not save us from oppressive nations but to save us from ourselves. But you know that. I just thought it was a bit ironic that the huge misunderstanding, the misunderstanding that made Christ weep when riding into Jerusalem, is a similar hope that we have. Granted I don't expect salvation from nations, or riches, or even power, I look forward to a kingdom where Christ will reign and receive the glory thats due, and that I can serve Him face to face. In fact, thats the awesomeness of this passage, it promises fellowship with God.

So lets jump into it (haha sounds like what pastors say. Is that what PPK says? "lets jump into the Word" hmm anyway)

Rev 21: 1-8 The New Heave and The New Earth

John sees a new heaven and a new earth and the sea has gone away. Out of heaven, the holy city descends and God dwells with His people. THIS IS THE BEST PART!

verse 3-4

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,

"Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.

He will dwell with them, and they will be his people,

and God himself will be with them as their God.

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,

and death shall be no more,

neither shall there be mourning, nor crying,

nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

What more could you want than to have you Holy and perfect father and creator be there for you always and to sheild you from all bad things. I love my parents and my friends and my disciplers, brothers and sister, many many people in my life. But (I'm sorry if you thought otherwise) none of them are perfect, none of them can fellowship with me like God can. When we fellowship which God as the center of our relationship, we push each other closer to Him, encouraging and challenging one anther. By doing so we can hopefully see Christ reflected in that brother or sister. But the reflection is just that, it's not the full thing. Would you watch a movie in a mirror if you could just turn around and watch it for real?

After we are told about the fellowship we have with God, the passage says that "it is done!" And God is described as the Alpha and the Omega, that is, the first and last letter of the greek alphabet, beggining and end. He will satisfy the thirst of those who are thirsty and not require a payment. BUT! "the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for muderers, the sexually immoral, sorcereres, idolaters, and all liars," will be burned in the lake of fire. (side note: the lake of fire causes a second death. I don't really know what this means but its what the word says. Perhaps this is the utter destruction of a person and their soul?) It is apparent that this is going to be an exclusive city.

It burdens me to see that in America, especially in California, our society has made righteousness and faith a subjective matter. There are no rights or wrongs. But unfortunately for those who hold that view, there will be a day when they are judged one way OR the other. There is no "what's true for me is true for me and what's true for you is true for you." To steal from a christian rap artist, this just isn't logical. What if my truth says your's is a lie, then whats true for you can't be true because my truth is true for me and saying that what's true for you is true can't be true because of what's true for me. Sorry if you got lost in that but the point is, there is only one answer, only one truth. 1+1=2 and thats it. There is nothing else 1+1 can equal.

What I realize: is that I don't know exactly what heaven will entail, what it will look like, what it will smell or feel like, or if I'll even have the ability to see or smell, but I do know that I will be able to fellowship with God. God himself. And it will be personal. It won't be a concert with God on stage and me in the stands. It will be God and me. He will wipe my tears Himself. And I don't cry! cause I'm so manly..... (I actually cry pretty easily, usually in a sad movie or a really happy moment.... granted I don't bawl or anything but I'll at least be honest and tear up.) Point being, heaven is going to be crazy sweat and awesome and I can't wait! Bummer about those thrown in the lake of fire though. Apart from Christ I deserve to be there. That serves to strengthen the conviction to share with others.

goodness its late again! good night.