Embracing Abundant Life: Work, Rest, and Play in Glory
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. My name is Tamarcus, and I am one of the ministers here at Citizens Church. Today, we conclude our mini-series called "Rhythms," where we have explored what the Bible teaches us about rest, play, and work. Today, we will consider what these aspects of life look like in glory. It might seem odd to discuss work, rest, and play in heaven, but these activities are not merely survival mechanisms; they are intrinsic to human life as God designed it, even before sin entered the world.
We began by discussing a story from Southwood High School in Shreveport, Louisiana, where the presence of fathers in the school stopped fights and brought peace. This illustrates our main idea: God's embodied presence will transform everything into what it was always meant to be. In glory, human life will be abundant, not diminished. Jesus came to give us life more abundantly, as stated in John 10:10.
We then turned to Isaiah 65:17-25 to explore the nature of our future hope, the assurance of this hope, and its effects on us today. Isaiah speaks of a new heaven and a new earth where former troubles are forgotten. This new creation will not be entirely different from our current experience but will be a redeemed version of it. Revelation 21 echoes this vision, describing the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven, signifying that God will dwell with us.
In glory, play will be abundant and safe, as depicted in Isaiah 11:8 and Zechariah 8:3-5. Work will be fulfilling and free from the frustrations and futility we experience now. Isaiah 65:21-22 assures us that we will enjoy the work of our hands without fear of loss or failure. Rest will be complete and secure, as described in Isaiah 65:24-25, where even natural enemies will live in harmony.
The assurance of this future hope is rooted in Jesus Christ. His life, death, resurrection, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit provide us with confidence that God's promises will be fulfilled. This future hope should transform us today, purifying us and motivating us to live in a way that reflects God's coming kingdom.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Presence Transforms Everything: Just as the presence of fathers at Southwood High School brought peace, God's embodied presence will transform all of creation into what it was always meant to be. In glory, human life will be abundant, not diminished, as Jesus promised in John 10:10. [31:06]
2. Play in Glory: In the New Jerusalem, play will be abundant and safe. Isaiah 11:8 and Zechariah 8:3-5 depict a world where children can play without fear. This vision of play in glory shows that God's presence and holiness will make room for joy and gladness, free from danger and harm. [39:04]
3. Work in Glory: Work in the New Jerusalem will be fulfilling and free from the frustrations and futility we experience now. Isaiah 65:21-22 assures us that we will enjoy the work of our hands without fear of loss or failure. Our work will be an act of worship, done with dignity and desire. [46:55]
4. Rest in Glory: Rest in the New Jerusalem will be complete and secure. Isaiah 65:24-25 describes a world where even natural enemies live in harmony. This vision of rest includes the removal of conflict, anxiety, and striving, allowing us to enjoy God's presence fully. [50:51]
5. Assurance of Future Hope: Our confidence in this future hope is rooted in Jesus Christ. His life, death, resurrection, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit provide us with assurance that God's promises will be fulfilled. This future hope should transform us today, purifying us and motivating us to live in a way that reflects God's coming kingdom. [01:01:22]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:46] - Introduction to Rhythms Series
[28:01] - Purpose of Rest, Play, and Work
[28:16] - Questions About Glory
[29:01] - Misconceptions About Human Activities
[30:19] - Story of Southwood High School
[31:06] - God's Presence Changes Everything
[32:09] - Isaiah 65:17-25 Overview
[33:25] - Nature of Future Hope
[35:18] - Redemption and Recreation
[36:02] - Revelation 21: New Jerusalem
[38:03] - Eternity: Sinless Existence
[39:04] - Play in Glory
[42:13] - Work in Glory
[50:51] - Rest in Glory
[01:01:22] - Assurance of Future Hope
[01:03:20] - Effect of Future Hope Today
[01:09:17] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 65:17-25
2. John 10:10
3. Revelation 21:1-4
### Observation Questions
1. According to Isaiah 65:17-25, what are some characteristics of the new heaven and new earth that God will create?
2. In John 10:10, what does Jesus say He came to give us, and how does this relate to the concept of abundant life in glory?
3. Revelation 21:1-4 describes the New Jerusalem. What are some key features of this new creation, and how does it signify God's presence with His people?
4. How did the presence of fathers at Southwood High School transform the environment, and what does this illustrate about God's presence in glory? [30:19]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the vision of play in glory, as described in Isaiah 11:8 and Zechariah 8:3-5, challenge our current understanding of joy and safety? [39:04]
2. What does Isaiah 65:21-22 suggest about the nature of work in the new creation, and how does this compare to our current experience of work? [46:55]
3. How does the promise of rest in Isaiah 65:24-25 provide a different perspective on rest compared to our present-day struggles with anxiety and striving? [50:51]
4. How does the assurance of future hope in Jesus Christ, as discussed in the sermon, impact our daily lives and motivations? [01:01:22]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the story of Southwood High School, how can you bring a sense of God's presence into your daily environments to promote peace and transformation? [30:19]
2. Considering the vision of abundant and safe play in glory, how can you create spaces of joy and safety in your community or family today? [39:04]
3. How can you find fulfillment in your current work by viewing it as an act of worship, even amidst frustrations and challenges? [46:55]
4. What steps can you take to experience a deeper sense of rest in God, especially in times of conflict and anxiety? [50:51]
5. How does the assurance of future hope in Jesus Christ motivate you to live a life that reflects God's coming kingdom? [01:01:22]
6. In what ways can you actively participate in God's redemptive work today, knowing that He will one day make all things new? [01:03:20]
7. How can you support others in your community who are struggling with the burdens of work, rest, or play, and help them find hope in God's promises? [01:05:02]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Presence Transforms Everything
God's embodied presence will transform all of creation into what it was always meant to be. Just as the presence of fathers at Southwood High School brought peace and order, God's presence will bring about a complete transformation of our world. In glory, human life will be abundant and not diminished, as Jesus promised in John 10:10. This transformation is not just about the absence of sin but the fullness of life as God intended it. The new creation will be a redeemed version of our current experience, where God's presence will make everything whole and perfect.
In Isaiah 65:17-25, we see a vision of a new heaven and a new earth where former troubles are forgotten. This passage assures us that God's presence will bring about a world where joy, peace, and harmony reign. Revelation 21 further echoes this vision, describing the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven, signifying that God will dwell with us. This future hope should transform us today, purifying us and motivating us to live in a way that reflects God's coming kingdom. [31:06]
Isaiah 65:17-18 (ESV): "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness."
Reflection: Think of an area in your life where you feel chaos or disorder. How can you invite God's presence into that area to bring about transformation and peace today?
Day 2: Play in Glory
In the New Jerusalem, play will be abundant and safe. Isaiah 11:8 and Zechariah 8:3-5 depict a world where children can play without fear. This vision of play in glory shows that God's presence and holiness will make room for joy and gladness, free from danger and harm. Play is not just a trivial activity but a reflection of the joy and freedom that will characterize life in God's kingdom. In glory, play will be a celebration of God's goodness and a testament to the safety and security found in His presence.
The assurance of this future hope is rooted in Jesus Christ. His life, death, resurrection, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit provide us with confidence that God's promises will be fulfilled. This future hope should transform us today, purifying us and motivating us to live in a way that reflects God's coming kingdom. [39:04]
Zechariah 8:4-5 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of great age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced pure joy and playfulness. How can you incorporate moments of joy and play into your daily life as a reflection of the future hope we have in Christ?
Day 3: Work in Glory
Work in the New Jerusalem will be fulfilling and free from the frustrations and futility we experience now. Isaiah 65:21-22 assures us that we will enjoy the work of our hands without fear of loss or failure. Our work will be an act of worship, done with dignity and desire. In glory, work will not be a burden but a source of joy and fulfillment. The frustrations and futility that often accompany our work in this fallen world will be replaced with a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
This vision of work in glory reminds us that our labor is not in vain. The assurance of this future hope is rooted in Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection guarantee that God's promises will be fulfilled. This future hope should transform us today, motivating us to approach our work with a sense of purpose and dedication, knowing that it is ultimately an act of worship. [46:55]
Isaiah 65:21-22 (ESV): "They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands."
Reflection: Think about your current work or daily tasks. How can you approach them with a sense of purpose and worship, knowing that in glory, work will be fulfilling and free from frustration?
Day 4: Rest in Glory
Rest in the New Jerusalem will be complete and secure. Isaiah 65:24-25 describes a world where even natural enemies live in harmony. This vision of rest includes the removal of conflict, anxiety, and striving, allowing us to enjoy God's presence fully. In glory, rest will not just be the absence of work but a state of complete peace and contentment. The rest we will experience in God's kingdom will be a reflection of His perfect peace and the harmony that will characterize all of creation.
The assurance of this future hope is rooted in Jesus Christ. His life, death, resurrection, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit provide us with confidence that God's promises will be fulfilled. This future hope should transform us today, encouraging us to seek rest in God's presence and to live in a way that reflects His coming kingdom. [50:51]
Isaiah 65:24-25 (ESV): "Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent's food. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, says the Lord."
Reflection: Reflect on your current state of rest. Are there areas of conflict, anxiety, or striving that you need to surrender to God? How can you seek His peace and rest in those areas today?
Day 5: Assurance of Future Hope
Our confidence in this future hope is rooted in Jesus Christ. His life, death, resurrection, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit provide us with assurance that God's promises will be fulfilled. This future hope should transform us today, purifying us and motivating us to live in a way that reflects God's coming kingdom. The assurance of our future hope in Christ is not just a distant promise but a present reality that should shape our lives and actions.
This hope is a source of strength and encouragement, reminding us that our present struggles and challenges are temporary. The future glory that awaits us is far greater than anything we can imagine. As we live in the light of this future hope, we are called to reflect God's kingdom in our daily lives, embodying His love, grace, and truth. [01:01:22]
1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."
Reflection: How does the assurance of your future hope in Christ shape your daily life and actions? What specific steps can you take today to live in a way that reflects God's coming kingdom?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Our big idea today is God's presence. His embodied dwelling presence when he returns one day will change everything into what it was always meant to be. And all of the sin and all of the destruction and all of the death and all of the pain and the hurting will just stop because God will be present." [31:06] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus came to give us abundant life, not a diminished life. So if you have a bible, you can turn to Isaiah 65 if you haven't already. That's where we're gonna be starting at verses 17 and we'll work our way down to 25." [31:55] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Salvation is not God's plan to abandon human life as we know it but to redeem it to what it was always meant to be. As the poetic theologian Jamin Roller put it, eternity is not an earthless existence, it's a sinless existence." [37:56] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "In the new Jerusalem where God is ever present, there is only joy and there is only gladness. The buttings of play. Why? Because salvation and redemption will no longer be a future longing. It will be our reality." [42:13] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "In the new Jerusalem, our work is hard holy worship and often will slip into play. Imagine just partaking into it out of the delight of it. You see where God is ever present, there's only success and security. Why? Because he's abolished futility." [49:28] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "What all of these questions have kind of tucked underneath them in some way is this belief that all three of these aspects of human life as well as as many others we do now merely as a means to survive rather than things that we do because we're alive." [29:01] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The vision the Bible gives of eternity is not us escaping earth and being zapped up, you know, like an alien invasion or something, but of God coming down and dwelling with his people. The incarnate God we have come to know all this time once again dwelling with us once and for all for all of eternity." [37:36] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "In the new Jerusalem where God is ever present, there is only joy and there is only gladness. The buttings of play. Why? Because salvation and redemption will no longer be a future longing. It will be our reality and God's presence and his holiness and glory won't be opposed to play. It will make room for it." [42:13] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "In the new Jerusalem, you know what won't be there? All of the things that make work a burden and a pain. Everything that frustrates work. Instead, what we'll find is what he says in verse 22. He says my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands." [48:32] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "In the new Jerusalem where God is ever present, there is only peace and harmony. Why? Because the removal of hostility and the end of our exile will no longer be a future hope. It will be our present reality. And in God's glory and in his presence, his presence and glory won't be opposed to rest. It will make way for it." [59:57] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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