The Life Everlasting
| Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. (Revelation22:1-5) |
Everlasting life.
Cynics call this "pie in sky" - a useless panacea for the reality of life.
Scripture views it differently.
We're created in God's image (Gen1:27) and He has placed eternity in our hearts (Ecc3:11.) Jesus nailed the definition of eternal life in John 17:3 "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."
Eternity is not a place or a state. It's not something that only happens in the future. It is a relationship and it starts in the present.
John's vision, rich in symbolism as it is, makes the same point. Although eternity is presented as a city with the river and tree of life, he talks about the city not needing sun or lamp because the glory of the Lord will be our light. Knowing Him is everything we need.
Eternity is a relationship with God.
- It is what we were created for.
- It's why Jesus died on the cross.
- It's what the Holy Spirit's presence in us is all about.
- It's what gives purpose to the struggles we go through now.
Eternity is being with the God who gave Himself for us!
The 80's band Silverwind put it well:
Heaven is being with You
I've heard stories of heaven
Pavement made of gold
Ageless beauty forever
That never grows old
But if I got there only to find out
Jesus, You were not up there
Goodbye wings, angel things
Chorus:
Heaven is being with You
There's nothing I'd rather do
There is nothing better, knowing You is heaven
There is nothing better
Loving You, forever, Jesus
Heaven holds all my wishes
Making dreams come true
Heaven has to be Jesus
Just being with You
There is no laugther or joy in the music
Jesus, if You are not there
Then the song is all wrong
(Chorus)
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZCYN7hhtM
