Random Thoughts and Commentary on the Bible: Dec 31 - Rev 19-22

It is with sadness I write today. Just got off the phone with my daughter. Her husband's mother who has been battling stage 4 cancer the last few months is in the hospital and has taken a turn for the worse. Doctors give her about 36 hours. My daughter and son-in-law are in a whirlwind of activity trying to figure out their next move. We have been praying for a miraculous healing, but it appears God has a different plan. It is in that context that I read Rev 19-22.

These chapters cover the judgment, the lake of fire and such, as well as the appearing of the New Jerusalem - our eternal dwelling place with God. What struck me as I read about the New Jerusalem today was the phrase "prepared as a bride, beautifully dressed for her husband." (Rev 21:2). I was reminded how every wedding I go to, there is something about the bride; she is beautiful, she glows, she is expectant. I mean no offense by this, but no matter how plain or beautiful a woman may be in everyday life, she is at her most beautiful on her wedding day. Now, as I re-read the description of the new Jerusalem, I think of the beautiful bride and can picture more clearly how glowing and beautiful this new city will be. And while it seems that this new Jerusalem will not come into being until the very end of this age, it is to this destiny that our dear in-law Peggy is headed.

If she in fact is taken from earth in a few hours or days, we know with confidence that her hope is in Christ and her name is surely written in the book of Life. The chapters I read today clearly describe the result of our choice here on earth. Some wrestle with the notion that God would actually condemn someone to death, but I don't. Rev 21:27 says that "Nothing impure will ever enter into it," speaking of the New Jerusalem. God is perfect, His dwelling place is perfect and pure, He can not allow even one speck of impurity into His Kingdom because then it would no longer be pure. Our purity is not of our own effort, it is in the covering of Jesus who lived sinlessly and sacrificed for us. And the great thing is, this is a free gift to any who would take it. You too can have this eternal destiny by only accepting this gift and turning your life around to live for Jesus. Which of you will give back unopened this wonderful Christmas present?

Peggy with her husband Perry - the day before our daughter married their son.