See, the home of God

Revelation 21:1-6
The New Heaven and the New Earth
 
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2021%3A1-6&version=NRSVUE
 
In my own practice of lectio divina and listening for God through scripture, I have noticed a pattern or a continuation in God’s voice through each week’s readings the past few weeks. Last week, I explored how the biblical characters in Mark 10 all shared a blindness that kept them from seeing or understanding the way of Jesus. For the celebration of All Saints Sunday, our lection moves to a passage in Revelation that promises a new heaven and a new earth, and proclaims God is “making all things new” (v.5). I see a continuation of the emphasis of seeing, and therefore, understanding the work of God.
 
In last week’s reading, we explored Bartimaeus’ request to see: “Let me see again,” or “I want to see.” In this week’s reading, the writer of Revelation, who most scholars think was the apostle John, reports that he “saw” a new heaven and a new earth, and he “saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem” (v.2). He also “heard a loud voice from the throne,” in which we infer was Jesus, saying, “See, the home of God is among humans,” and “See, I am making all things new” (v.3,5). John saw it, and Jesus pointed out that John could see it. If we can see it, perhaps we can better understand it.
 
What Jesus wanted John to see was the “home of God” (v.3). During a time when the holy city was being destroyed, when death, pain and grief consumed them, “the voice” promised that this was not the end and that God dwelled with them. God is present with them during their pain and suffering, and God brings newness through death.
 
So, what does the “home of God” look like? If Jesus wanted John to see it, what does it look like? What did he see? John described it in verse 2 as “a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” The love that can be seen between two people on their wedding day will look like the love between God and God’s people. God’s home will be filled with love and care as God wipes away tears and puts an end to death. A home with God is a place without pain or mourning. It is a place of assurance where we can put our trust in the God of love. The voice said, “these words are trustworthy and true,” so we have the assurance that a home with God looks like this.
 
What does a home of God look like to you? Can you see it? Take time reflecting on what a home of God looks like to you. Perhaps it isn’t best described as “a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” Perhaps it looks like a sanctuary from all the pain in the world. Perhaps it is a place free from empire, politics, and hate speech. Perhaps it is a place where we can be our authentic selves without the repercussions of someone’s fear. Perhaps it is a place where no one is unhoused, poor, hungry, sick, or mourning. It is a literal house of love where everyone belongs and everyone is connected to and filled with God’s loving presence.  
 
In a time when we aren’t quite sure who we can trust, and people in power lie to protect their places in power, these words are something we can trust. A home of God is the only thing we can trust 100%. A home of God is coming, but it is also already here. God has already made a home with us, if we allow ourselves to see it. If we open our hearts to God’s loving presence, a home of God resides within us. Can you see it?
 
Reflection Questions:
What do you imagine the home of God looks like? Can you see it?
Can you trust these words in scripture?
How can a home of God reside within you?

Pray:
Open my eyes, O God, to see you among us and within us.

Action:
Do one action this week that represents the home of God.   
 
*New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America.