Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne say, “Look! God’s dwelling is here with humankind. He will dwell with them, and they will be his peoples. God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more. There will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look! I’m making all things new.” He also said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “All is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty, I will freely give water from the life-giving spring.
Revelation 21: 1-6
Perhaps no faith questions provoke as much speculation as, “What happens after we die?” and “What will the end of time look like?” The Wesleyan traditions have never been focused on the last days. The final victory is already won and the details are known only to God. What matters more is do we follow the commands Christ gave us for the here and now. [hear sermon audio]
This week, take some time to go deeper. Use these scriptures and questions to reflect in your devotion time.
Texts to read:
Questions to ponder:
- Why do you think people engage in speculation about end times?
- How might the belief that we will leave this world behind affect the way we behave now?
- How might the belief that God’s final plan involves returning and dwelling here affect the way we believe now?
Do and share:
- Take some time to chart our your beliefs. What questions do you have about the end? Where did you learn what you believe? How have those beliefs changed over time?
- Research art connected to Revelation. Share an image in our Facebook group or on Twitter (@dpumc).
Feature Image: Guernica by Pablo Picasso
Pastor's Notepad 