Revelation 21:10-14; 22-23 - The hymn reminds us, “I’m but a stranger here,
heaven is my home.” We are but strangers and pilgrims. Our ultimate home is in
glory with Christ beyond this earth. In our Epistle lesson, John is given a
vision of heaven. What will heaven look like? Read the above passage as
John describes it. These are words beyond no comparison.
This text has some things in common with last Sunday's
text, but gives us more information. In
both texts Jerusalem is called the holy city which comes down out of heaven
from God. But here it is not called “new." Perhaps that is because it is not compared
with the first creation. Verses 11-14
and 22-23 supplement what was said in verses 1-5, last Sunday's text.
So far as we know, St. Paul was the only mere human
being who was granted a glimpse of Paradise.
He tells us about this in 2 Corinthians 12:1-4. He saw this quite apart from a vision like
that of John. Paul says that on that
occasion he heard inexpressible words which it is not lawful for a man to
utter. John was granted a look at
heaven, Paradise, in a vision. He was
allowed to tell us about it in symbolical language. But we puzzle over some of the
descriptions. We shall note them as we
go along.
The Lutheran commentator Lenski says the following: How, then, shall we conceive the new earth
and this city? This is beyond mortal
conception in reality; even the symbolism of the vision already transcends
conception. The symbolism only shadows
forth what is far greater than itself.
We cannot comprehend the wonders and beauty of
everlasting life. But we are told enough
to comfort ourselves midst our many afflictions and grief, especially our own
sins and sinfulness. Jesus went to
prepare a place for us and when He returns He will take us to Himself.[2]
And he
carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the
Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. -Revelation 21:10
Prayer of praise and
supplication: Lord God, creator of heaven and earth, Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, we praise You for the abundant mercy that You this day so
richly have provided for us, blessing us not only with daily bread for our
bodies but also with heavenly food for our souls. Grant that Your living and
powerful Word may abide in our hearts, working mightily in us to Your glory and
for our salvation. We commit ourselves to Your divine protection and fatherly
care. Let Your holy angels be with us that the evil foe may have no power over
us. Look in mercy on Your Church and deliver it from all danger and
adversities. By Your Holy Spirit comfort and strengthen all who are in
affliction or distress, and grant Your abiding peace to us all; through Jesus
Christ, our Savior.[3]
Amen. -18 May, 2022
[1] The New Heaven and New Earth, Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for personal and congregational use
[3] Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St., Louis
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