context--this apocalyptic text is reminiscent of the Exodus, when the Egyptian military launched out across the divided sea in pursuit of the Israelites realizing too late that “the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt.” Once again God personally enters the fray and fights against the teeming hordes who have attacked God’s People. In the end, God’s enemies and their leaders are thrown into a final, tormenting place.

• Holy Jerusalem--In stark contrast to such a sobering scene is the vision of the new Holy Jerusalem, recreated and descending. God is now ready to finally move into the neighborhood and to live next door to God’s human creatures.

• The holy city-the new Jerusalem-descends out of heaven; earlier (chapter 18) we are introduced to another great city, Babylon which becomes a curse on humankind. Babylon and Jerusalem are subtly juxtaposed and contrasted; the New Jerusalem will be God-present neighborhood and thus, a blessing to all those who dwell there.

• the message--I saw Heaven and earth new-created. Gone the first Heaven, gone the first earth, gone the sea. I saw Holy Jerusalem, new-created, descending resplendent out of Heaven, as ready for God as a bride for her husband. I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’ s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good-tears gone, crying gone, pain gone-all the first order of things gone.” The Enthroned continued, “Look! I’m making everything new. Write it all down-each word dependable and accurate.” Then he said, “It’s happened. I’m A to Z. I’m the Beginning, I’m the Conclusion. From Water-of-Life Well I give freely to the thirsty. Conquerors inherit all this. I’ll be God to them, they’ll be sons and daughters to me. But for the rest-the feckless and faithless, degenerates and murderers, sex peddlers and sorcerers, idolaters and all liars-for them it’s Lake Fire and Brimstone. Second death!”

This passage does not just minister to those who mourn the death of loved ones. How can this vision of God's future help us alleviate anxieties about the new year, filled with wars and rumors of wars?

• What is the primary "good news" in this text?  The fact that God is ultimately in control over human history?  The fact that one day we are promised to be able to live in perfect harmony?  The fact that God will be closer to us and much more accessible to us than now?  The fact that then all our prayers will be answered favorably?

• What might be your congregation's favorite aspect of John's vision?  The fact that we will be re-united with our loved ones?  The fact that God live among us?   The fact that there will be no more pain, sorrow, or death?  The fact that the world will be finally at peace?

 

Should you work with this text as the main passage of the worship service, you may want to focus on the contrast between Babylon and New Jerusalem; the human made and the God made.  The kingdoms build by human hand will never achive justice, peace, and unity.  What a perfect scripture to be preacher at the beginning of a new year--the hopeful and reassuring promise that God's future will be perfect.