NEW FUTURE HOMES
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.
Revelation 2:1-3 (NIV)
I’ll never forget the first home Steph and I bought. We were living in an apartment then, and an amazing home we could afford became available! We went under contract, but during the inspection, we found out the house had mold all in it. I remember being devastated because we thought this was such an amazing place. We rented for another couple of years, and then an even better home became available. I realized God had been preparing a better place for me all along, even though I had no idea. Jesus, before He ascended to heaven, shared with His disciples that He was going to prepare a place for us. We don’t know all the details of what it will be like, but I tell you, it will be even better than you could imagine.
We often have these false views of heaven that don’t always seem better: endless cloud sitting, harps, angels, constant singing. Heaven will be a place of activity; notice the verse above says it will be a city. Heaven will be a place of adventure and fulfillment. Heaven will be a place that we will never want to leave, even though you can’t picture it right now. I used to feel guilty because I didn’t always desire heaven, but remember, Paul says no eye has seen or can comprehend fully what God has better. Just remember that heaven is a better place. Remember, God has something even better than what you have now. This should bring encouragement if life is amazing right now and if it’s difficult. It will be better because Heaven is where you and I will walk with God!
APPLICATION: Keep your eyes fixed on the unseen today.
PRAYER: Thank God for what awaits. If it’s an amazing season, remind yourself that your future home is even better than what you have now. If it’s a difficult season, ask the Spirit to encourage you that a better home awaits.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?