Hope and Restoration: A Vision of New Creation
Summary
In our journey through Revelation, we find ourselves at the culmination of a grand narrative that spans the entirety of Scripture. As we delve into Revelation 21 and 22, we are presented with a vision of a new heaven and a new earth, a restored creation where God dwells among His people. This vision is not just a distant hope but a reality that shapes our present lives. The imagery of the throne, the river of life, and the tree of life in these chapters remind us of God's sovereignty and His ultimate plan to restore all things. The story of Scripture begins with a good creation in Genesis and ends with a restored creation in Revelation, emphasizing that God's intention has always been to dwell with His people in a redeemed world.
The narrative of the burning bus trip to Mexico serves as a metaphor for our life's journey. We often set out with high hopes and great expectations, only to encounter unexpected challenges and setbacks. Yet, these moments of chaos and frustration are intertwined with profound joy and growth. This duality reflects the tension we live in—a world marred by sin and brokenness, yet infused with glimpses of God's kingdom breaking through. Our experiences of joy are often heightened by the challenges we face, reminding us of the hope we have in Christ.
The vision of heaven presented in Revelation is not an escape from this world but a promise of its renewal. It is a call to engage with God's ongoing work of redemption and restoration. Heaven is depicted not as a distant place but as a reality that is already invading and transforming our world. This vision challenges us to live with a clear understanding of our telos, our ultimate end, which in turn shapes our present actions and attitudes.
As we navigate the complexities of life, we are invited to hold on to the hope of this future reality. Our vision of heaven informs our present experiences, providing us with the strength and joy to endure the trials we face. It is a reminder that our story ends not in chaos or despair but in a beautifully restored creation where God is with us, and we are His people.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Centrality of God's Throne: At the heart of Revelation's vision is the throne of God, symbolizing His sovereignty and the ultimate reality of His reign. This throne is a reminder that despite the chaos and brokenness we experience, God is in control and His plan for restoration is unfolding. Our lives are anchored in this truth, providing us with hope and assurance. [01:28]
2. Life Between Two Trees: We live in the tension between the tree of life in Genesis and its reappearance in Revelation. This symbolizes the journey from creation to new creation, highlighting God's redemptive work throughout history. Our lives are shaped by this narrative, calling us to live as disciples of Jesus in the "in-between" time. [18:31]
3. The Vision of a New Creation: Revelation presents a vision of a new heaven and earth, emphasizing restoration rather than escape. This challenges us to engage with God's work in the world, participating in His ongoing creative and redemptive mission. Our understanding of heaven as a restored reality shapes how we live today. [12:40]
4. Joy Amidst Challenges: The story of the burning bus trip illustrates the juxtaposition of challenges and joy in our lives. Our experiences of joy are often deepened by the trials we face, reminding us of the hope we have in Christ. This perspective helps us navigate the complexities of life with resilience and faith. [26:11]
5. A Compelling Vision of Heaven: Our vision of heaven profoundly impacts our present experiences. A clear and compelling understanding of our ultimate end provides us with hope and joy, even amidst life's difficulties. This vision shapes our identity and purpose, guiding us as we live out our faith in the world. [29:33]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:28] - The Throne and the River of Life
[02:47] - A Story of Chaos and Hope
[05:06] - The Burning Bus Experience
[07:07] - Navigating Life's Challenges
[08:29] - High Hopes and Reality
[10:05] - A Vision of New Creation
[11:16] - From Genesis to Revelation
[12:40] - Heaven as a Restored Reality
[13:58] - What is Absent in Heaven
[15:19] - The Presence of God
[16:53] - From Garden to City
[18:31] - Living Between Two Trees
[21:34] - The Importance of Telos
[23:00] - Joy in the Journey
[26:11] - The Mystery of Life's Duality
[29:33] - Vision of Heaven Shapes Today
[31:07] - Hope in the Face of Loss
[32:20] - Communion and the Tree of Life
[33:23] - The Great Reversal of the Gospel
[35:01] - Prayer and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Revelation 21:1-5
- Revelation 22:1-5
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the key elements described in Revelation 22:1-5, and how do they relate to the vision of a new creation? [01:28]
2. How does the story of the burning bus trip serve as a metaphor for the challenges and joys in our lives? [05:06]
3. What does the presence of the tree of life in both Genesis and Revelation signify about God's plan for creation? [18:31]
4. How does the imagery of the throne in Revelation emphasize God's sovereignty and control over the universe? [01:28]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the vision of a new heaven and earth in Revelation challenge the common perception of heaven as an escape from this world? [12:40]
2. In what ways does living "between two trees" shape the life of a disciple of Jesus, according to the sermon? [21:34]
3. How does the juxtaposition of challenges and joy in the burning bus story reflect the tension between the present world and the hope of God's kingdom? [26:11]
4. What role does the concept of "telos" play in shaping a believer's present actions and attitudes? [21:34]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did it shape your understanding of joy and hope in Christ? [26:11]
2. How can the vision of a restored creation in Revelation influence your daily life and decisions? What specific actions can you take to align with this vision? [12:40]
3. Consider the metaphor of the burning bus trip. How do you typically respond to unexpected setbacks, and how might you find joy amidst these challenges? [05:06]
4. In what ways can you engage with God's ongoing work of redemption and restoration in your community? Identify one specific area where you can contribute. [12:40]
5. How does your understanding of God's sovereignty, as depicted by the throne in Revelation, provide you with hope and assurance in times of chaos? [01:28]
6. What is your personal vision of heaven, and how does it shape your identity and purpose today? [29:33]
7. Identify a situation in your life where you feel disconnected from God's presence. How can the promise of God's dwelling among His people in Revelation encourage you in this situation? [10:05]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Sovereignty Anchors Our Lives
In the vision of Revelation, the throne of God stands central, symbolizing His ultimate sovereignty and reign over all creation. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder that despite the chaos and brokenness we encounter in our lives, God remains in control. His plan for restoration is actively unfolding, providing us with hope and assurance. As we navigate the complexities of life, we are called to anchor our lives in this truth, trusting in God's sovereign plan and finding peace in His presence. [01:28]
Psalm 103:19 (ESV): "The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust more in God's sovereignty today? How can you actively remind yourself of His control in that situation?
Day 2: Living Between Creation and New Creation
The narrative of Scripture takes us from the tree of life in Genesis to its reappearance in Revelation, symbolizing the journey from creation to new creation. This journey highlights God's redemptive work throughout history and calls us to live as disciples of Jesus in the "in-between" time. We are invited to participate in God's ongoing mission, living with the awareness that we are part of a larger story that is moving towards restoration and renewal. [18:31]
Isaiah 65:17 (ESV): "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's redemptive work in your community today? What small step can you take to contribute to His mission of restoration?
Day 3: Engaging with God's Restorative Work
Revelation presents a vision of a new heaven and earth, emphasizing restoration rather than escape. This vision challenges us to engage with God's work in the world, participating in His ongoing creative and redemptive mission. Our understanding of heaven as a restored reality shapes how we live today, calling us to be active participants in God's transformative work. We are encouraged to see heaven not as a distant place but as a reality that is already invading and transforming our world. [12:40]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What is one way you can contribute to God's restorative work in your workplace or neighborhood this week? How can you be a vessel of His transformation?
Day 4: Finding Joy Amidst Life's Challenges
The story of the burning bus trip serves as a metaphor for the duality of life, where challenges and joy coexist. Our experiences of joy are often deepened by the trials we face, reminding us of the hope we have in Christ. This perspective helps us navigate the complexities of life with resilience and faith, knowing that our story ends not in chaos or despair but in a beautifully restored creation. We are invited to hold on to this hope, allowing it to shape our present experiences and provide us with strength and joy. [26:11]
James 1:2-3 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did it deepen your understanding of joy in Christ? How can you apply this perspective to a current or future challenge?
Day 5: A Compelling Vision of Heaven
Our vision of heaven profoundly impacts our present experiences. A clear and compelling understanding of our ultimate end provides us with hope and joy, even amidst life's difficulties. This vision shapes our identity and purpose, guiding us as we live out our faith in the world. We are encouraged to live with a clear understanding of our telos, allowing it to inform our actions and attitudes today. [29:33]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: How does your vision of heaven influence your daily decisions and interactions? What is one practical way you can align your actions with this vision today?
Quotes
Flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. If you've been with us during this conversation, you know that the throne is one of the central images, pictures that we get of what is really true. What is really going on in our universe is that at the center of everything, there is this throne. [00:00:59] (21 seconds)
Throughout the story of Scripture, there are a handful of moments where a person will ask to see God. Can I actually see you? Can you show yourself to me? And in those moments, we're told that the presence of God, the power of God, whatever it is, passes by people like Moses, Elijah, some of these other characters, but they're never allowed to see his face. But here, at the end of the story, they will see his face. [00:02:05] (37 seconds)
They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. The old order of things has passed away. [00:10:24] (21 seconds)
And so when we look at the big arc of the story of Scripture, it begins here, it ends here, begins with home, it ends with home, and the middle of the story is the story of God redeeming and restoring that home for us. This is a story of engagement, not a story of escape. [00:11:41] (22 seconds)
A reality that currently exists, a reality that is invading our reality, a reality that is transforming our reality. Now having said that, there is a separation. We're going to talk about this in just a minute. But after human beings rebelled in Genesis, [00:12:40] (16 seconds)
All along the story, there has always been this invitation to participate with God, to steward creation, to invent stuff, to create stuff, to think about things, to develop ideas and systems. And so we see this as it plays itself out in the story of Scripture. It begins with a garden, but it ends in a city. [00:17:05] (23 seconds)
Our telos, what we look forward to, how we think the story ends, the way we understand the end of the story, our telos defines our today. Again, what kind of story are you in? What kind of story are you in? How does that story end? Where does that story end? [00:21:49] (23 seconds)
The joy that we experienced on that dumb ride was intense and beautiful because the week had been so challenging and stressful. Now, I want to be really careful here because there is some theology out there. that tries to say that, hey, you're going through something tough and bad and hard and challenging. Well, it's going to be fine because you're going to go to heaven someday. [00:27:29] (24 seconds)
And so we need, we need a strong vision of the joy of heaven in order to navigate the pain of earth. Not to numb the pain, not to ignore the pain, but to help make sense of it. To know that it can and will be redeemed. To know that this too shall be made right. [00:29:02] (29 seconds)
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