Revelation 21.1-8

John describes for us a new heaven and a new earth…the realization of the hope for which we have been saved, so that even in the midst of suffering the afflictions and persecutions of this present darkness, this present evil age, we will be encouraged knowing that we will one day be rescued and vindicated by the sudden appearance of Jesus, whose coming will destroy the powers of evil and make all things new. Throughout the NT the message is clear: this future hope should impact our lives today…our behavior and devotion to Jesus. So knowing this let us persevere in the present as we await the return of our King to set all things right…don’t give up, don’t give in, Jesus wins!

This beautiful picture reminds us of God’s amazing love for us. The lengths that He has gone to so that we might be reconciled to Him, that we might become His children are nothing short of incredible. From the first few chapters of Genesis, He’s been relentlessly pursuing us. It started with a promise…Genesis 3.15. One day He would send the Hero to rescue us from the sin and death caused by our rebellion against Him and provide a way back to the garden. That Hero, of course, is Jesus, who lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death, was raised the third day, and ascended to the throne of God. By believing in Him we have eternal life. To those who thirst…the water of life without cost. The retirement package is chill…paradise with Him forever.

Now we wait with anticipation His return…not as a sacrificial Lamb, but as the conquering Lion. Not as our Savior on a cross, but as the fierce Warrior-King on a white horse.

Today is the day. John’s encouragement to believers is also a warning to those who are not following Him. Judgment is certain. Jesus is coming back. The consequences are final. No do-overs. There will be no escape. No watching from the sidelines. You are either for Him or against Him. My prayer is that you are thirsty today…I love that His relentless pursuit continues till the end. The offer stands open, to drink from the springs of the water of life without cost.

So don’t give up because following Jesus is sometimes hard. Don’t give in to the culture around you. Why? Because Jesus wins! Amen, come Lord Jesus!

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Revelation series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.