Revelations is an underestimated
and undervalued book in our day and age. We tend not to talk too much of
heaven, or the end times. Perhaps it is our fear of the opposite, hell and
eternal damnation, that keeps us from joyous expectance of what is to come!
Revelations 21-22 paint a
wonderful picture of the fulfilment of what has been started in the order of
creation. This is not the absorption of the human spirit into the vague
"pudding" of eternity, but a time when the God who made us and
redeemed us will raise us up again. And not only us, but the whole created
order as well. This is what Paul means when he says, “The mortal puts on
immortality” and that “death has been swallowed up in victory.” (1 Cor. 15:54).
At the centre of the vision
starting in chapter 22 is a city which is the presence of Almighty God and the
Lamb. There is a river of life and a tree with leaves for the healing of the
nations. This redemption flows from the throne of God and the Lamb. It is the
sign of hope. Jesus Christ is able to forgive and heal; the One who heals is
the One who also reigns and, therefore, the healing of this Lamb has authority.
It lasts. Jesus Christ, the Lamb/Shepherd, is able to keep His sheep to sustain
them for all time. From the Garden of Eden to the City of God.
Arttu Mäkipää
No comments:
Post a Comment