Bible Society: Pentecost Reflections Day 10
Hi Friend
Welcome to day ten of your Pentecost reflection series, unpacking the role of the Holy Spirit in Scripture and in our lives. In this final reflection we think about our final destination …
Today’s Bible verses
Revelation 21.10–11 <https://biblesociety.cmail20.com/t/r-l-tyitjiit-bilwlltil-r/> , 22–27 (GNB) <https://biblesociety.cmail20.com/t/r-l-tyitjiit-bilwlltil-y/>
‘He showed me Jerusalem, the Holy City, coming down out of heaven from God and shining with the glory of God …'.
Today’s reflection
It is often said that the joy of travel is not so much about the destination as the journey. And sometimes that’s true. We can probably all think of memorable journeys which have eclipsed wherever it was we were heading to. But not always.
However memorable our journey through life, our final destination will be incomparably more glorious. In the book of Revelation, John is given a last vision (in the Spirit) of what the ‘new heavens and earth’, the perfected consummation of all things, will be like. It is breathtakingly beautiful. A city both filled with jewels (21.11, 18–21), and astonishingly fertile too, where trees yield fruit every month (22.2).
Things we have needed on earth to point us to God – the temple (verse 22), the source of light (verse 23) – are no longer needed because our access to God is immediate and complete. There are no threats to our security or wellbeing either – all nations and leaders are surrendered to God (verse 24) and the gates can be left open all the time (verse 25). It is a place of perfect peace and prosperity.
This is what the Spirit of God is preparing us for. Over this Pentecost series we’ve reflected deeply on how the Spirit is at work in the world and in our lives. Ultimately, the Spirit’s job is to glorify Jesus: to point all people in the world to him, and to the salvation, purpose, peace, hope and love that he brings. When we finally overcome this world and get to heaven, in one sense, the Spirit’s work is done. It’s noticeable that the Spirit isn’t mentioned in this description. But it’s not that the Spirit isn’t there – God has been Father, Son and Spirit for all eternity. Rather, the Spirit can reign quietly with the Father and the Son, knowing that his eternal task is accomplished. Jesus is fully glorified and his followers can rejoice and live in his love forever.
This is our final destination but it has an earthly value, a relevance to us now. Until that day, we are temples of God’s Spirit, the place where God’s presence dwells in this world. We are the light of the world, pointing to the true light of Jesus. We bring our small amounts of splendour daily to the feet of Jesus and offer it for his glory.
May that be our hope, our joy – our purpose this day and every day – until the completion of all things.
These Pentecost reflections were written by Revd Matt Trendall, a minister working in Milton Keynes
Today’s prayer
Thank you that we can look forward to eternal life with you. Thank you that you have given us life and the Spirit whilst we’re here on earth. Help me to point to you Jesus every day of my life. Spirit guide me today.
Today’s action
Take a moment to reaffirm out loud your purpose to shine with the glory of God. How does this encourage and inspire you?