The whole earth - all nations, all peoples - have come together around the Heavenly throne for a new dedication. Reminded that at one time they had no home, but now in God's Kingdom they do. Reminded that God has always saved them. And together they dedicate a new Kingdom - with no Temple, because in this new (Resurrected) world, there's no need for one special place where God dwelt. Because now God reigns everywhere.
But, this book is so, so very important - and utterly important when it comes to the Great Fifty Day Festival of Resurrection. Because it's in John's vision that the implications of Jesus' Resurrection are allowed to bear themselves out. It's in this book that we see that all things are made new because of the Lamb's death and rising. It's in Revelation that we see the full effect of the empty tomb - because when we look in this tomb we find that all of creation isn't there - for we have risen. It's in the Revelation to John that the ramifications of Jesus' Resurrection are shown to be cosmic in scale. And, it's beautiful. And, sometimes it's grotesque. But, whatever it is, it isn't shades of grey. It's bold, its scale is epic, and it's Life.
This is the overarching story of the scriptures. Over and over and over again God looks like he's been defeated. Over and over again it looks like the story is over. It appears that God had a good run, but the Cindarella story has to come to an end. And each time, God prevails. Seeming defeat turns into amazing victory. That is the story of God.
In other words, whatever it was that motivated Jesus to lower himself for the incarnation and crucifixion should motivate us. So, the passion of Jesus is meant to be a model - a paradigm - for our passion. If Jesus was a passionate Messiah, we're to be passionate people. And, if we want know what that looks like we don't have to go much further beyond Bethlehem or Golgotha.
No. The gods didn't do anything new. The only thing useful about them was that they were totally consistent. Like the law of thermodynamics. Like gravity. But, Israel's God - oh, He's a bit different. He isn't bound by laws and theorems. In God's world the Red Sea can draw back. The sun can stop dead in the sky. Virgins can give birth to bouncing baby boys. A Christian-hating Pharisee like Paul can become an apostle. Our God can do new things.
It all began in a garden. Things were ‘good’ in the garden. Then things were ‘very good’ in the garden. Then it all fell apart. It all ends in a garden. Sort of. The garden is still there. Complete with a Tree of Life, and a cool stream of water. And Life abundant. But, the Garden is now subsumed in a City. A big City. A well-laid out city. One day, it will all be […]