From his throne, Jesus said, “I am making all things new!” … The kings of the earth will bring their splendor into the New Jerusalem—into the new heaven and new earth Rev.21:1, 24 … And Abba’s children will reign there forever as stewards and cultivators of the new creation world (Paraphrase of Rev.21:1,5; 22:5; 2 Cor.5:17).
Dear Jesus, after your return, what will eternity be like for your gathered Bride? Far better than we can imagine or hope—and for certain, we’ll never get bored. For we will enjoy a perfected relationship with you, and perfect relationships with each other. Every longing for intimacy you’ve written into our DNA will be fulfilled and over-filled. We will finally love as you love, and be as beautiful as you are (Rom.8:28-30). Hallelujah, and help us lay hold of this hope, Lord.
Because you are making all things new—not all new things, there will be a lot of continuity with this world and the world to come. Places dear to us now will become even more dear. Everything broken will become a better version of its original—for your Story is a story of redemption, not replacement. Truly, Eden was just a hint of things to come.
So what is the “splendor of the kings” and what will we do with all those accumulated treasures? As your Word suggests, the best of the art, culinary flavors, cultural markers, music, artifacts, truth, goodness, and beauty of every nation will be celebrated and blended to reveal even more of your glory.
Jesus, this sounds a lot more exciting than heaven as a giant hymn sing! We will “reign” forever as worshipers, builders, adventurers, creators, and curators of new creation culture. Thank you for a heaven that’s way more “heavenly” than we ever imagined. So Very Amen.