June 3, 2025
Today’s Reading: Revelation 22:1-6 (7-11) 12-20
Daily Lectionary: Numbers 16:1-22; Luke 19:11-28
“No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.” (Revelation 22:3)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
When you think about heaven, what are the things you look forward to the most? Is it having your resurrected body? Maybe it’s being reunited with your believing family and friends for all eternity. I, for one, am looking forward to that feast of rich food that God promises to Isaiah (Isaiah 25:6)!
Or maybe you look forward to not having the things that will be missing. When St. John was given his vision of heaven, he saw that there was nothing “accursed” there. There won’t be anybody in heaven who hates you. You won’t have all those terrible thoughts or do or say wicked things because your sinful nature will be gone, along with all other temptations. There won’t be any sickness or disease or danger. No sin of any kind!
These are certainly all wonderful things to look forward to. But St. John reminds us today that there’s one thing (or one Person, rather) in heaven that should be our main hope. “The throne of God and of the Lamb” will be there. God the Father will be there. The Holy Spirit will be there. And Jesus will be there. God isn’t some kind of door prize that comes along with heaven; He is what it’s all about.
Besides, what could be better than basking forever in the presence of the God who made you and loved you so much that He took on your flesh, suffered and died for you, and then came to you in the Word and Sacrament to grant you saving faith? Remember the 1st Commandment? “You shall have no other gods.” Hidden in this commandment is a wonderful promise. When you have the Triune God as your Lord, you have everything you could ever need and more! You don’t need any other gods. There is nothing better than being in the gracious presence of God.
Thankfully, we don’t have to wait until heaven to enjoy the blessings of God’s presence! Even now, God comes to us through His Means Of Grace, the Word and Sacraments to bless us. He comes to us to give us everything that we need to join Him in heaven. That would include especially the forgiveness of sins won by Jesus. But God also comes to us to give us the fruits of the Spirit, like patience, strength, repentance, and every Gift that we might need as we wait for the day that God gathers us to heaven.
There truly is nothing better than being in God’s presence—now and forever!
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
O Christ, do Thou my soul prepare for that bright home of love. That I may see Thee and adore with all Thy saints above. (LSB 673:6 )
– Rev. Aric Fenske, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church in Bear Creek, WI.
Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.
Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God’s people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God’s Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.
