In my last post (which I cannot view, nor can Jan. I can blog, but I cannot get onto my own blog address and view previous posts from our location. Don't know why.) I was sharing about the future Holy City in which will live all followers of Jesus. I noted how the description in Revelation 21:22 - 22:5 mentions that many things to which we have become accustomed will be missing in the New Jerusalem.
There will be no Temple; no darkness - no need for lights - artificial or natural (the glory of God outshines everything and his holiness obliterates all that is unrighteous); no closed gate (absolute security) and no impurity. At least that is what I think I noted two days ago. :)
In the Holy City there will be no curse. Finally, we all will be free from the result of the Fall, described so vividly in Genesis 3. The practical implications of this are many. Several are listed for us in 21:4: "There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Can you imagine how different life will be with these that so constrict our lives are banished?
We need to keep our eyes on this wonderful future home. It will be of great comfort and strength when we pass through major difficulties. I will preach tomorrow on these verses and about how an orientation focused on Jesus and the Holy city offers so much hope and can be of great help to all of us. Today I was given two sad illustrations of our need for that future hope.
A middle aged believer just moved to Hanoi and joined with us at HIF in August. He brought his wife over to join him two weeks ago. Two days ago he was diagnosed with heart problems. With his wife he flew to Singapore (known in the region for excellent medical care). While in the hospital awaiting surgery he suddenly died. His wife must be in terrible shock right now. How important that her faith, her future and her joy are grounded in Jesus and our eternal home.
The other immediate application involves one of our Philippino families. They leave on Thursday for a long planned visit to celebrate Christmas with all of their relatives on the southern island of Mindanao. Just a few hours ago they heard news of the devastating flash floods resulting from a tropical storm that struck their city. The wife's family home was damaged. The husband's family home was totally destroyed. Now they have no idea where they will stay - or where all of their relatives are staying. We will send some financial help with them from our fellowship as they leave.
A future city indestructible and unmarred by the results of the curse! What a glorious home awaits all who go to be with Jesus. What warm encouragement it brings to those who have lost a loved one or lost their home. Whatever your circumstances this week, and especially if they are difficult circumstances, follow in Jesus' footsteps: "who for the joy set before Him endured the cross".
There will be no Temple; no darkness - no need for lights - artificial or natural (the glory of God outshines everything and his holiness obliterates all that is unrighteous); no closed gate (absolute security) and no impurity. At least that is what I think I noted two days ago. :)
In the Holy City there will be no curse. Finally, we all will be free from the result of the Fall, described so vividly in Genesis 3. The practical implications of this are many. Several are listed for us in 21:4: "There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Can you imagine how different life will be with these that so constrict our lives are banished?
We need to keep our eyes on this wonderful future home. It will be of great comfort and strength when we pass through major difficulties. I will preach tomorrow on these verses and about how an orientation focused on Jesus and the Holy city offers so much hope and can be of great help to all of us. Today I was given two sad illustrations of our need for that future hope.
A middle aged believer just moved to Hanoi and joined with us at HIF in August. He brought his wife over to join him two weeks ago. Two days ago he was diagnosed with heart problems. With his wife he flew to Singapore (known in the region for excellent medical care). While in the hospital awaiting surgery he suddenly died. His wife must be in terrible shock right now. How important that her faith, her future and her joy are grounded in Jesus and our eternal home.
The other immediate application involves one of our Philippino families. They leave on Thursday for a long planned visit to celebrate Christmas with all of their relatives on the southern island of Mindanao. Just a few hours ago they heard news of the devastating flash floods resulting from a tropical storm that struck their city. The wife's family home was damaged. The husband's family home was totally destroyed. Now they have no idea where they will stay - or where all of their relatives are staying. We will send some financial help with them from our fellowship as they leave.
A future city indestructible and unmarred by the results of the curse! What a glorious home awaits all who go to be with Jesus. What warm encouragement it brings to those who have lost a loved one or lost their home. Whatever your circumstances this week, and especially if they are difficult circumstances, follow in Jesus' footsteps: "who for the joy set before Him endured the cross".
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