Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 16, 2023: SOAP #5035: Ezekiel 40-41; Psalm 128; Revelation 21

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

OBSERVATION:  In reading this chapter, my attention was captivated by the angel’s loud announcement.  “Now the dwelling of God is with men…not, Now the dwelling of men is with God.”  

I am thinking this is not the culmination of something about which man has dreamed but something for which God has worked and prepared.  This was His plan.  For all eternity, He would dwell among those who were more than trophies of His creative power, like the angels, but trophies of His great love, redeemed man!    

APPLICATION:  God wants me in heaven so much more than I want to be in heaven!  Out of all the known, and unknown heavens, God has chosen to build a dwelling place out of created living beings who had been stained with sin but are now washed in the sinless blood of His Son, Jesus. 

PRAYER:  Lord, the book of Revelation wraps up your “man-plan.”  You will create a new heaven and earth.  You are forming the New Jerusalem, the Holy City where we will dwell together for all eternity.  What an amazing future you have planned for us!   Amen

Pastor Leon
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