6/28/23 - Your Forever Home - Revelation 21-22 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Our eternal residence is described as having streets paved with gold, gates of pearl, life without pain, sorrow, temptation or loss. Hard to imagine that kind of existence. However, that’s not the best part. The beautiful and peaceful environment is secondary to the person because we will be in the very presence of God almighty. Let me give you an illustration to help you understand what this means. Suppose that someone you love is a prisoner of war, held captive for many years. You know this person (your husband, wife, son, daughter or best friend) is alive and you hope to see them again. Finally, after many false hopes and setbacks, an agreement was negotiated with the enemy and the release of your loved one is at hand. The government has made arrangements for you to meet your beloved in Hawaii, where you would be with them for two weeks before returning home. Hawaii is a beautiful place and I am sure most of us would love to go there right now. But for you in that moment of reunion, the place is secondary to the person. If you were to meet in Gila Bend, it would be no disappointment to you whatsoever. While the place of heaven is unimaginably beautiful, the presence of God will be our greatest joy.
 
So what does our eternal home mean for our current and temporary realities? Paul explains in Romans chapter 8. 

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18 

There is no greater glory than God himself. Fix your mind and heart on this my friend and always remember - whatever pain you face today will one day be alleviated forever, therefore we live accordingly...
 
"Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness." 2 Peter 3:11000