By Guest Writer
Scripture Reading: Revelation 19:1-21, Revelation 20:1-15, Isaiah 25:6-9, Isaiah 54:5-7, Ephesians 5:25-27
I celebrated my fortieth birthday in a park next to Lake Michigan with family and close friends, a potluck of snacks and sweets, and beautiful weather. Normally I don’t like attention, but turning forty was worth celebrating. The day was soaked in joy, laughter, and the sweetness of loved ones all in one place.
Think of your sweetest celebration. As special as it was, our greatest parties pale in comparison to what is waiting for us when we join with the angels in singing the glory of God and what He has done through Jesus.
Today’s reading picks up where evil ended and a time of rejoicing has come. God completed what He intended to do, bringing in the fullness of His glory and ushering a heavenly reign on earth. A vast multitude are gathered in praise, revering the righteousness of Jesus and grandness of God. We were created to worship, and here our calling finally comes together.
This celebration is the culmination of God’s story of provision, redemption, and victory; it is the welcome home party we have been waiting for. The Lamb of God who was slain for the sin of this world has overcome death. We will be in the presence of the Lord, who has made all things right. Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning (Psalm 30:5). This is where we will celebrate Jesus, where we will gather as His people under our God whom we will dwell with.
Every tear we have shed, every pain that has rung our heart, every bit of grief at the loss of loved ones—all will be healed and restored with Jesus. This gives us great expectancy while on earth, knowing there will be a day of great celebration and jubilee like we have never known as we join with all of creation, together at last with our Creator.
We can prepare today for that future celebration. Let’s notice and give thanks for what God has brought us: the trees, the weather, the people around us, the breath in our lungs, and the assurance that we are never alone. As we wait to receive our King in full, we can look for ways to share God‘s love with those around us, like an encouraging word, dropping a card in the mail, or taking time to listen to someone’s story.
We can celebrate the kingdom-come-to-earth while looking forward to the day when that kingdom will be made complete. Revelation can be difficult to read at times, but we can take heart in the steadfast love of God and how His plans are greater than anything we can understand. And for those who love and place their hope in Jesus, we will live with God and fully experience the richness of life in Him. We get to celebrate the victory of Jesus, His resurrection, and His making His home with His people. Glory to God!
Written by Sarah Freymuth
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