Rhapsody of Realities 17 February 2024: Focus on the Life Thereafter
Scripture: And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea (Revelation 21:1).
In Revelation 21, the Apostle John tells us about a new heaven and a new earth. He gives us a description of the holy city, the New Jerusalem: “And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:2-4).
Verses 18-19 further describe the beauty of the city. Imagine a city of pure glass-gold! “And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones….”
The 23rd and 25th verses take it even further: “And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.” What a place to look forward to!
Read Yesterday’s Rhapsody of Realities Here
Your focus shouldn’t be on this current world that’ll be destroyed. Rather, let your passion be all about Christ and the spread of His righteousness around the world as we await His glorious return.
Remember His words, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). This world, which will surely be destroyed and replaced with another, isn’t worth the loss of your soul; so live your life for the Lord.
PRAYER: My affection is set on the Lord and His eternal Kingdom, and I love the Lord with all my heart. The things of the Spirit are of greater importance to me than anything in this world. I’m propelled by my love for the Master to preach the Gospel in season and out of season, in the power of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Colossians 3:1-4
If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.
3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory.
2 Peter 3:10-14
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will vanish (pass away) with a thunderous crash, and the [material] elements [of the universe] will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up.
11 Since all these things are thus in the process of being dissolved, what kind of person ought [each of] you to be [in the meanwhile] in consecrated and holy behavior and devout and godly qualities,
12 While you wait and earnestly long for (expect and hasten) the coming of the day of God by reason of which the flaming heavens will be dissolved, and the [material] elements [of the universe] will flare and melt with fire?
13 But we look for new heavens and a new earth according to His promise, in which righteousness (uprightness, freedom from sin, and right standing with God) is to abide.
14 So, beloved, since you are expecting these things, be eager to be found by Him [at His coming] without spot or blemish and at peace [in serene confidence, free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts].
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 2:23-28;Mark 3:1-12; Leviticus 11-12
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 19:8-20; Psalm 25-26
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Rhapsody of Realities 17 February 2024
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