Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Numbers 20-22; Revelation 22
Devotional Thought:
This chapter reviews much of what was taught in the last chapter in regards to the beauty, purity, and function of the new heaven. It certainly will be incredibly beautiful and peaceful. Verse three says, “And there shall be no more curse…” We will be in a constant state of worship for God is there and there will be no sin or curse of sin to block the perfect fellowship that God desires with His children. I believe that too many people today are confused about worship. For many people, worship means walking around heaven, bowing every few steps, hands folded in front of us as we rock back and forth, and we hum “Amazing Grace how sweet the sound.” However, true biblical worship means “worth-ship.” It is submitting ones self to the subject that is worthy of our submission. In heaven, we will have an absolute understanding of God’s position and the majesty and honor due His name. We struggle here because of selfishness and sin, but in heaven we will not be under the curse of sin and we will enjoy worshipping God in perfect communion. Life in heaven will not be one really long church service, but rather living life the way God always intended us to live it, in perfect fellowship with Him. Heaven is made for us to enjoy perfect love, joy, and peace. There will be no schedules, jobs, alarm clocks, to do lists, or repairs. There will be no deadlines to make, people to reach with the gospel, problems to solve, or need for a stress reducer. (Although there may be a “Heaven’s Golf Resort” and a “Paradise Hunting Preserve.”) I can’t be sure, but if you read deep in the Greek… We have moments where we are in perfect fellowship with the Lord, but even in those moments we are navigating this sin cursed body through a sin cursed world. We cannot really understand what perfect fellowship is in regards to worship. We struggle wrapping our minds around true peace, joy, and pure love. However, in the new heaven we will enjoy true worship and pure fellowship with our Lord. Why? Because “there shall be no more curse…” In verse nine, John had the right response of worship, but steered that worship toward the wrong object, the angel. How often we as Christians get overwhelmed with the goodness and grace of God and in the right response of worship steer it toward the wrong object? Verse 11 teaches us that those who are unsaved and selfish now will continue to be filthy and unjust throughout eternity in hell. Those who are declared righteous and holy now will be so throughout eternity in heaven. Jesus is coming again and He said that He is coming quickly. What a privilege to serve the Lord. What a privilege to share the gospel. What a privilege to fellowship with the Lord. We have the word of God to help us understand God and to know what He expects from us. May we be found faithful to His word as we wait for His return.
Personal Requests:
• Lord, thank you for paying the price for my sin. I realize the curse of sin brings a price tag, and you paid it in full on the cross of Calvary.
• Lord, please help me as I desire to worship you in my life here on earth. I want to do more than just acknowledge your rightful position; I want to submit my will and all my being to your authority. I want to be completely dependent upon you.
• Lord, thank you for promising a new heaven. I know everything you do is for a purpose and you do all things well. I look forward to seeing this beautiful place you have prepared and I long to see you face to face. I am so thankful for my salvation.