The ebb and flow of personal contentment comes and goes. We all experience seasons of satisfaction and bouts of grumbling. The struggle is real. The world that promises happiness if you only have “this” or if you only experience “that”, fails to follow through with what it advertises. The reality is, that such a task is impossible to achieve since we were made for something greater. Despite the amount of access and opportunities we are provided and the variety of options and possibilities we are afforded, nothing can compare to the heavenly glory that awaits the child of God. As you read the last half of Revelation 21, John’s description of heaven is simply astonishing. The new Jerusalem, which stands fifteen miles high, will shine like “crystal-clear jasper” (diamonds). The construction of the city is built out of pure gold. Its walls and foundation are hewed out of jasper stone and adorned with the most brilliantly colorful gemstones known to man. And of course, each of the twelve gates is formed out of individual pearls that are complimented by the streets of gold that pass through them. If this wasn’t enough, John describes the glory of God Himself illuminating the entirety of heaven. But why does God provide so many details regarding heaven’s appearance and dimensions when other aspects of the eternal state remain a mystery? When you consider the world’s system, its allurements, and our lustful flesh, heaven’s description reminds us of something so much better—the soul-satisfying dwelling place of God. C.S Lewis rightly observed, “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” Reject the notion that happiness is bound up in getting the most out of this life. Instead of prioritizing our “bucket lists,” let’s imitate the heroes of faith who “looked for the city whose architect and builder is God” (Heb 11:10). Let’s believe the words of Christ who promised to prepare a place for us before His return (John 14:3). And let’s remember the instruction of Paul to seek the things above where Christ is enthroned in glory (Col 3:1). Why? Because that is what citizens of another country do as they eagerly await their Savior and Lord (Phil 3:20). —Pastor Nate
Sunday at Liberty
9AM: Daniel Soukup–Ministry Report
10AM: Pastor Rory–Gold & Glitter–Revelation 21:9-27 (sermon notes)
6:00PM: Spain Trip Report
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