May 17 | Revelation 22:1-5

Elaine Pierce
May 17
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Light and Dark

By Elaine Pierce

We moved to a 'new to us' house about a year ago, and we, like most people who buy older homes, have made some changes to better make this house our home. We have added a lot more light. How did the previous owners not need more light? We added light fixtures in the kitchen.....in our bedroom....in the three-season patio. And still, we'd like a little more light.

This will not be a problem when Jesus returns, will it? John tells us that there will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lap or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever (v. 5).

It is hard to wrap my head around what 'the new heaven and new earth' will be like. Artists have drawn pictures of some of the descriptions in Revelation (go ahead, google 'images of Revelation 22' and you will see lots and lots of images). We do know what won't be there: the curse will be gone....no more night...no tears.....no sadness.....no death or dying...no more crying, no more pain. And, yes, the streets will be paved with gold! (see Revelation 21:21).

This new heaven and new earth seems very far away from Columbus, Ohio, in 2026. And yet we know that God has promised eternal life to all who call on his name. John concludes this book of Revelation with these words:

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.....Amen. Come Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen. (v. 17, 20-21)

That's us - God's people! Are you thirsty? He has living water for you. No need for more lights - His light will shine for you, for me, for all eternity.

PRAYER

Jesus tells us that he is the light of the world. Spend some time thanking him for the gift of light, of life, of eternity. He is worthy. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!