Revelation 21:1-5: God’s Home
Monday, May 8, 2023
John of Patmos, the writer of the Book of revelation, watches the descent of New Jerusalem: 14th Century tapestry: La nouvelle Jérusalem
I saw Heaven and earth new-created . . .
These familiar verses might be overlooked. We have heard all of this before, we tell ourselves, and so we move on too quickly.
I saw Holy Jerusalem, new-created, descending resplendent out of Heaven, as ready for God as a bride for her husband.
These familiar words continue to sound strange. We have read all of this before, we say to ourselves, and the words still do not make sense. Again we move on without thinking.
Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God.
This familiar metaphor still eludes our understanding. We have seen this passage before, we say to others, and it still makes no sense. Yet again we move on without pausing.
Yes, we say, we know. God wipes tears from every eye . . . yet we do not see this in our world.
Yes, we acknowledge, God will bring about a new order and a new way . . . and this will be in a distant, foggy future that we cannot imagine.
Look! I’m making everything new. Write it all down—each word dependable and accurate.
Still . . . a small voice at the periphery of our awareness speaks to us: What if this were so?
Now God’s home is with God’s people . . .
Yes, we say to ourselves. There is a possibility that all of this is true, today, here, now.
Now God’s home is with God’s people . . .
Yes, we say to others. This Jesus who was betrayed by a companion with a false kiss, this Jesus is still among us.
Now God’s home is with God’s people . . .
Yes, we say to anyone who will listen. God’s home is with God’s people.
Let us act as if we believe. For we are Easter people.
When we use the scripture link and the drop down menus to explore varying translations of these verses, we become more aware of how Jesus continues to make his home among us. We are better able to see that Jesus continues to show us The Way.
Images from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Jerusalem and https://abstract.desktopnexus.com/wallpaper/2072397 and https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/jesus-sandals.html
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