Worth Every Ounce of Trouble
Be Strong, Be Well — Friday, July 10
When we read the first few chapters of the Bible there is sadness and grief. But when we read the last few chapters, we come away with a great sense of joy and hope.
Because of sin in the beginning, humanity was no longer permitted to stand in God’s presence. We could not reach out and eat from the Tree of Life. In heaven, this privilege is restored. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7: cf. 22:2, 14).
In the beginning, when God’s human creation was left to seek forgiveness through inferior animal blood sacrifices, he yearned for something better, something permanent (Hebrews 10:3). God sent His Son to provide that perfect offering (10:10-12).
The scene in Revelation reveals the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, as the one slain to “redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:6, 9).
The intimate relationship in the garden was abruptly interrupted by the entrance of sin into the world. Humanity was cut off from God’s presence. Now, by means of baptism, the church, the body of Christ, believers are reconciled to God. In the end of the Great Book, we see the Bridegroom, and His glorious bride (the church) at the wedding feast of the Lamb.
We are brought full circle. From the beginning of God’s perfect creation and wonderful relationship with those created in His image, traveling through a time of sin and darkness, only to come into the presence of Almighty God once again, through His Blessed Lamb, Jesus Christ, to an eternal home of bliss and happiness.
“And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely...He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:17, 20).
May we always keep the hope of heaven alive in our hearts. It will be worth every ounce of trouble we have here in this life. Never lose sight of our future home with our heavenly Father and His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen! —Chris