Focal passage: Revelation 21:1-8
What do you think you will love about the new earth and new heaven? Allow me to make one suggestion. It will be a place where God will dwell with His people (Revelation 21:3).
When I was a kid I use to love getting off the bus at my grandmother’s house. There was something about her home that always made me happy. Maybe it was because she made my favorite sandwich or gave me some of her famous sweet tea.
I’m not really sure, but I know I enjoyed visiting because my grandmother was there. After she passed, the home stayed in our family for some time.
During the years before my parents sold it, I would stop by and walk through it on occasion. In fact, my wife and I lived in it for a short time.
Out of all the times I stayed there after my grandmother passed it never felt like it did when I was a child. Now, reflecting back, I realize why it did not feel the same.
It was because my grandmother was no longer present. I’ve learned over the years that it is not the walls of a home that make a place special; it is the people that live in it that truly make it meaningful.
When I think about the new heaven and new earth, I am sure it will be an unbelievable place to live. Streets of gold, walls adorned with every kind of jewel, gates of pearl, no need for the sun or the moon and no threat of danger or sin. I’m certain we will be blown away with its beauty.
However, I don’t think those things will make our heavenly home truly meaningful. I think it will be our ability to enjoy the very presence of God for all eternity.
Just think, each day will be filled with getting to know God better and learning more about Him. As an added bonus for me, because my grandmother was a believer, I get to share that heavenly experience with her.