And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation 21:2 ESV)
Fear Not… Then Hope
My favorite location used to be Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio. Cedar Point sported the fast roller coaster in the world. In Cedar Point were the best junk food treats. Cedar Point included a thrilling mine ride, a gigantic movie screen, interesting gift shops, and an ever changing diorama of small rides, events, and craft displays.
But it was hours and hours away.
To get to Cedar Point, I had to endure carsickness, the heat of summer, intense boredom, and stiff sore muscles.
But I did not care. The near-perfection of Cedar Point was a magnet that pulled me through all those troubles with anticipation and excitement. I probably would have been willing to endure even more!
Cedar Point is a drop in the bucket compared to heaven. And heaven is where Christ’s people are headed.
The trip there might seem too long or too short. The road might be slippery, or bumpy, or crossed by chasms. Our troubles are many, and our pains deep.
But heaven…
The Revelation of John draws on the Biblical picture of the church being the bride of Christ for a good reason. Because wedding days are often like my trips to Cedar Point.
The steps along the way, particularly on that stressful day, are stressful and difficult.
But the appearance of the bride… the physical presence of love… the fulfilment of all of those hopes that led up to that moment… sometimes takes our breath away.
Heaven is coming like that.
Fear not, then hope.