Revelation 21:10, 21:22-22:5 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition)
John 14: 23-29 (Common English Bible)
The reading from John chapter 14 (23-29) was part of Jesus’ goodbye message to his disciples which happened during the Last Supper. Jesus told the disciples that he would be crucified. That was the fate of political prisoners. Of course the disciples were shocked and heartbroken when they heard that. They have spent the last three years following Jesus and learning about his message.
When someone we love leaves us, it’s natural for us to be depressed. But if we really love that person, their request should be respected. It’s selfish to do otherwise. Jesus was preparing to die and eventually return to God. But Jesus urged his disciples to rejoice. Even though he will not be with them physically, they will be able to do great things through his name.
Jesus offered them peace and hope, the same peace and hope he gave to all believers. Jesus also taught his disciples knowledge, even though his disciples didn’t understand all of it. The parables would be one example. But Jesus did tell them there would be a Comforter who would take his place, the Holy Spirit. For the rest of their lives, as the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John were written, the Holy Spirit would be their teacher. And Jesus told the disciples the best way to love him was by serving others with that same love.
When Jesus told his disciples that he would be leaving them, they were afraid. They could not imagine a future without him. Jesus confronted them with several truths, and these truths allow all believers to overcome fear. And they are:
We may be inadequate, but the Holy Spirit will make us competent and courageous. We might be afraid, but the peace of Jesus the Christ is ours for the taking. Jesus wants us to focus our attention on the final victory. Circumstances may be difficult but victory is assured. God has already written the future and it cannot be changed. Our future might be difficult and our experiences might not always be pleasant, but we can endure because God has prepared for us a dwelling place in heaven. Things might be difficult, but courage is found in obedience. God is our ally especially when we face evil people. When we trust God, we begin a process of growth to experience the truth of Jesus’ words through obedience. When we obey God, our fears diminish.
The peace Jesus offers is not the same peace the world offers. The peace offered by the present world is similar to the peace that people had during the time of Jesus on earth. That peace was the Roman peace founded by Roman taxation and enforced by soldiers. It was dominance rather than real peace. By contrast Christ offers real peace in our lives and all believers.
The world situation today is in a mess. There are wars, disease, hunger, greed and other problems. If we think we live in a nation that is free from trouble, we are wrong. Christ’s peace is the peace of mind, peace in our conscience, peace with our environment and peace with our world. Jesus gives us this peace freely, without expecting anything in return. Jesus only wants us to pass that same peace to others.
The Holy Spirit keeps our relationship with God alive and vibrant. God is always with us because the Father, Son and Holy Spirit have made their home with us where we are. God has made God’s home in our hearts and also an eternal home that will last forever.
In Revelation chapter 21, God gives us a vision of that home, the New Jerusalem within the heart of the Celestial City. We have a chance to explore its origin, appearance, dimension, brilliance and blessing.
John gives us a vision of the center of the Celestial City. There is no temple, because Christ will be the Temple. There is no need for a special building set aside for worship, because God and Christ will be the center of worship. In our present world, when nations try to secure themselves against outsiders, Revelation has a vision of openness and welcoming for the entire world.
God’s plan in choosing a community is to bring everyone into the brace of God’s love. God is a God of embracing people and not excluding people. We as God’s people cannot isolate ourselves from people who are different. We must realize every human being is a child of God.
According to the Scriptures believers are marked with the sign of the Holy Spirit. And by the Spirit’s power we will see God as God really exists. The book of Exodus says one cannot see God and live, but in the New Jerusalem, we will live in the very presence of God.
The vision of the New Heaven and New Jerusalem is fascinating when we consider the current state of our environment. Many people who read Revelation as a literal guide for the end of the present world, use the New Earth and New Heaven as an excuse not to care about our present environment. While it is true that God will make all things new, that does not give us the excuse to abuse our environment. Until the New Jerusalem and New Heaven become a reality, we have to come together to take care of our present earthly home.
Today many old and decaying buildings have become financial burdens on their communities forcing congregations to choose between serving the needs of the building or the needs of the community. Often, at times congregations have maintained the maintenance of the structure instead of a much needed mission. This growing reality compels people to consider what to do with unsustainable buildings as people seek to embody a relevant witness of hope and mission.
This is an opportunity to ask people to consider options for new and creative spaces to welcome both believers and nonbelievers alike, places where God and not bricks, is at its center.
In the end, all good things will never end and all bad things will disappear when the New Earth and New Jerusalem arrive. We will be forever with all believers who have gone before us. The question is, are you ready for the New Jerusalem and the New Earth? AMEN.
