June 19, 2018
Revelation 21:22-22:5 New Living Translation (NLT)
I love praise time in our worship gatherings each week when collectively God’s people lift their voices to exalt him; to express heartfelt gratitude for his great love and provision. Praise is warfare initiated by lifting up One who is so much greater than he who is in the world. Scripture teaches God inhabits the praise of his people and I am aware of His presence each time we seek Him with praise.
In our passage from the Apostle John today, he tells of a time when God pulled back the visual curtain separating the heavenly realm and allowed John to observe the praise room of heaven. The room was illuminated by God’s glory and the people were able to look upon the face of God. Can you imagine? This room has the complete absence of evil and a river flows from the throne of God and the Lamb. Trees with medical leaves line the river; the leaves heal the individuals as well as the nations under heaven. Praise is the occupation of everyone there; unrestrained praise of God and the Lamb for the love that is self-emptying.
Revelation 21:22-22:5
22 I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
23 And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. 24 The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. 25 Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. 26 And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. 27 Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
22 Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations.
3 No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. 4 And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. 5 And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you for providing for me now while I am in the world and later when I return Home. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
NOTE: John’s surgery went well on Monday and he is home resting and recovering. Thank you for your prayers. We love and appreciate you.