December 20

“Behold, I am coming quickly and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. Revelation 22:12-14.

Our minds find it difficult, even impossible, to wrap around the idea of the new city in heaven. We have been conditioned to think in terms of dimensions and time, yet the city described in Revelation is ultimately an expression of Christ. We are to enjoy our reward for accepting Him as our Savior while still in this earthly life, but in reality to we are rediscovering the tree of life that was there at the beginning. And it will be there for eternity.

I ask, “What have I done?” God’s word is very clear—we are to do only what stems from our faith in Jesus. In effect, His works become ours. So I can be assured that God will reward me for being in Christ. My robes are already clean, because He sees me clothed in Christ.

Adam also had the right to eat of the tree of life. His choice was not to do so. Yet, God is faithful to extend that offer of life to all that would return to Him. Christ is the door, the truth, and the life that the Father wishes to give to us.

Today, Father, I want to find new ways to express my thanks for extending to me the gift of life. It is as if the end is no different from the beginning, for You are unchanging. During all these days and years of man’s existence on earth You have been waiting for this triumphant result that is expressed within this eternal city. In a real sense I am already living there—it is just that I am not equipped to see it. Thank You for making all this possible in Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
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