Reflection 1 of 2 parts (Revelation 21:1-5)
Mark L. Lastimoso
Glendale Filipino Adventist Church
August 16, 2014
God revealed to us the story of redemption from the book of Genesis to the book of Revelation. It began with a story of a perfect created world and beings. God highlighted His relationship with his creation and creatures by resting on the Sabbath and spending time with Adam and Eve. Then the story made a terrible turn from perfection to imperfection. Wickedness multiplied upon the earth. Noah has to build an ark. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and Moses were called to be faithful and to deliver God’s chosen people. The prophets echoed the promised Messiah and when we flip the pages to the New Testament the story took a whole new meaning because God became a man. He was crucified. But He was resurrected and promised to come again. The church was established and was persecuted. Now, as we read the story in Revelation the story of redemption has excited God’s people especially in the last two chapters. From imperfection to perfection. From the old garden of Eden to the new garden of God. From condemnation to eternal life. From gloom to bloom.
I reflected through this story in Revelation 21:1-5. The first thought that came to mind is the visibility of hope, “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.” This vision of hope from the last apostle John is extremely significant. It speaks about God’s relationship with us will be restored. A new place will make this possible. There will be death, opposition, and separation as symbolized by the imagery of the ‘sea.’ Friends, God would like to make all things new in your life today.
The second reflection that I have is found in verses 2-3, “Then I John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they will be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.” Hope is not only visible but also audible. The holy city, New Jerusalem is a fitting symbol of a real place where people gather to worship and give glory to God. It is a city of peace. David’s strategic capital during the glory days of united Israel. This new Jerusalem will be exceedingly impressive because God will not just be worshipped but God will be seen face to face. We, who will there, will fellowship with God in person. Matthew 5:8 says, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” It means that those whose hearts are cleansed by the blood of the lamb will see God in all of His glory.
The third reflection that I found is in verses 4-5, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’” Hope in God’s Word is reliable. God’s word is lamp and a light. His word is certain and sure. The invitation for us today is to believe His Word.
I was attending a class in Fuller Theological Seminary last spring quarter. The professor emphasized that “experience is not the best teacher. Reflecting on that experience is the best teacher.” Looking back during the last 5 years and 2 months of my [and my wife] stay in Glendale Filipino, reflecting on my experiences here I was taught 3 valuable lessons.
First, is that God’s people would rather see in ones action that you accept them for who they are and loving them for what they are. They want to see a sermon than hear one. The power of an act is more forceful than the volume of a word. I learned that hope is reflected by a hopeful person. I learned that joy is contagious. I learned that I cannot show what I don’t have. So therefore, I must have Jesus so people will see Jesus and be with Jesus themselves. Because if they see in me that I have Jesus they would want to have Jesus, too.
Second, is that no matter what happens speak only good about people and pray for their weaknesses in private with God. Do not say the bad about people to others. Why? Because, people will think if you speak about the bad of others to them it is more likely that you will also speak bad about them to others. My point here is let us not appear to judge, or berate, or gossip about other people. This lesson I learned and I reminded myself that I must take control of my own tongue so I will not start a fire. Our words have the power to inspire or to destroy someone’s reputation and even life. Our words must encouraged and uplift one another in the bond of Christ. Let us use our words wisely and therefore must change our hearts by the grace of God. Because only God is the righteous Judge. Sure, we can correct others but remember to have a relationship with them and then do it in love. Sure, we can rebuke, admonish, edify but they are different from putting down, negate, and downplay other people. So I learn to be careful with my gift of speech.
Finally, I was taught and will not forget this one is that we must rely on God consistently, every single day as though my life depends on it. Yes, it is true there are many trials, troubles, and tribulations on this world. And God is the constant source of comfort and calm in the midst of chaos. I praise the Lord that His Word is reliable and that I can rely on Him. Amen.