Good morning!
Text: Revelation 21-22; Isaiah 66
Wow! What a grand finale. The Bible is one grand story. As for humanity, it begins in a garden, where God places Adam and Eve. Having made them in His image, He tells them to go forth, multiply and subdue the earth – what theologians call the “cultural mandate.” Then, shortly after the start, humans fall into sin. At that moment. God reveals that He has a plan to rescue them (Genesis 3:15). The rest of the Bible brings us the story of fallen humanity in fact pursuing the cultural mandate while God deploys His redemptive plan. When we get to the end, we see it all brought together – restored and re-created new and fresh. The setting is a city rather than a garden. And Jesus, who came as a humble servant to die for our sins, is seated on the throne as our great High King. Amazing.
As I read this, I underlined the verse (Revelation 22:17) that expresses the longing for this final glory to arrive:
The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
Amen and Amen!
in Him, Mike
ps. This concludes our 2024 Bible read-through schedule. I’ll be back on New Year’s Day. I hope you choose to join us as we read the Scriptures again next year.