Revelation 21:1 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.
Have you been tempted when you received a new book, especially a murder mystery, to turn to the last page and find out who did it? For some, it can be too difficult to resits. They have to know how it turns out. But I can imagine it would ruin the suspense of the whole plot.
But the last page can reveal the goal to which a book is headed. It could give direction to the reading, since it would provide the insight needed to see how the various elements of the plot weave together. But it might also take something from the reading, since the mystery would be removed.
The Bible is one of those books that you can read the last pages and it helps bring clarity to the book as a whole. I believe the Scriptures tell one unified story from beginning to end. It starts in a garden and it ends in a garden. And humanity and the Creator God live in harmony and productivity.
What we learn be reading the last pages is that the very things that make life painful and difficult get removed in the new heaven and new earth. Death and mourning and crying and pain all go away. Life is the currency of this new space.
Just pause for a moment and think about our world. What would it be like if everyone was completely honest and honorable? What if everyone was serving each other to the best of their abilities and even more? What if all the capabilities of humanity for good, creativity, cooperation, and advancement were all focused to accomplish the best for all? What would a world like that be like?
None of the economic models of this current world would be active. Capitalism wouldn’t be active because no one would be trying to game the system to raise their own status. Socialism wouldn’t be seen, because those who are at the top in socialism wouldn’t be dictating to those below them. Those at the top would be serving, truly serving.
And over all would be the Righteous One, to whom everyone would be submitted, serving at His request and all receiving the benefits of being a member of His Kingdom. Humanity will be at its best, achieving their full potential, no hindrances, no distractions.
So reading these opening words of these final two chapters of the Book give us a glimpse of our purpose here and now, as we wait for those final days to be revealed.
I am looking forward to a time without limit. I anticipate with joy the reunions with some of those who have gone before me. And I say some, because not everyone will be in this new heaven and new earth. There are those, who through their choices to reject Jesus now, are outside this blessed place forever. They never get to enjoy the presence of our loving God. They never experience His peace.
The Arnold Journey 