In That Day

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. (Revelation 21:1 NAS)

I live and work in the city, so I don't get to see much of nature most of the time. While on a holiday in Norway last year, I was therefore overwhelmed when I saw magnificent sights of valleys in the countryside of Oslo. Never have I seen such beauty of God’s creation before, the mountains, rivers and green pastures. So captivated was I with the fabulous views that all I did then was to exclaim, “Wow!”

Every one of us has experienced wow moments in life, the times when we are caught by surprise or are deeply impressed. Such will be the moments we will experience when the world as we know it comes to an end to be replaced by a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1). In that day, God will dwell among men and death will be no more. Every tear will be wiped away, and there will no longer be any mourning, crying or pain (Revelation 21:4). All of us who have received Jesus as Lord and Savior will on that day be overcome with joy and will inherit the spring of the water of life without cost (Revelation 21:6-7). How awesome it will be when we behold God in His full glory, holiness and majesty!

As we look forward to the day of the Lord, let us in the meantime remember we are but passersby while on earth. Our dwelling place today is temporal, unworthy of our total devotion and love to sacrifice our all. We should therefore get ourselves prepared and ready for what's eternal instead, for not everyone will inherit the water of life, but only the ones who overcome (Revelation 21:6-8). Behold, our Lord is coming quickly, and to each shall be rendered a reward or punishment according to our deeds (Revelation 22:11-12).

Dear Lord, we pray, as we look forward to that glorious day, that we will be ready when the time comes for us to return to You. Help us Lord not to be too tied down in our commitments to the world, but to always remember that our time here is short, and our true inheritance is in You. Lead us Lord in all we do, that we may use our time wisely while on earth to fulfill Your will and purpose.