Week 52: Rev. 21-22-John Sees the New Kingdom

John Sees the New Kingdom

As a family, read Revelation 21-22 together. Afterwards, share the following discussion.

What happened?

In the last two chapters of the last book of the Bible, we see that the relationship God has always wanted with His people has become a reality. Looking back at the Old Testament books, we remember the incredible Garden of Eden that He prepared for Adam and Eve. We marvel at His closeness with them before sin entered their lives. We are amazed at the details of the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple where He lived among His people in the Holy of Holies. Then, His Son came to live among His people – the One who loved us so much that He gave His life for us. John now sees a new Heaven and a new earth and writes about the vision God gave him.

The New Kingdom is the place that God is making for those who choose to follow Him. It won’t be like anything presently on earth. There won’t be any reason for tears because in the New Kingdom death, sorrow, and pain won’t exist. God Himself will wipe away every tear from the eyes of His children. But the most wonderful thing about this kingdom will be living in the presence of God every day.

Why is this important to us today?

At some point, every person – boy or girl, young or old – will think about or ask, “Why am I here on earth? Why do I exist?” Well, the answer is that you were designed to have a relationship with Jesus and to glorify God for all eternity. John’s account of the New Kingdom is a description of what God has designed for us and desires for us to experience. God’s purpose for you has always been to be your God so that you would be able to live with Him. Can you imagine being in the same location as the Creator of the world?

The goal of these 52 Family Time devotions is to learn about the salvation we can have through Jesus. Every story from Adam to Isaac, Jacob to Moses, Joshua to King David, and Jesus to John is meant to point us to Christ and the price He paid for our sin. Your salvation not only makes life on earth more satisfying, it also means being able to live for all eternity with the Creator and Savior of the world.

Spend a few minutes talking about what you just read by answering these questions:

1. How does it make you feel to know that God has created a kingdom in Heaven for you to live with Him for all eternity?

2. What are you looking forward to the most about living in Heaven?

How can we better follow God this week?

In order to live with God in Heaven, you must choose to receive His gift of salvation. We all have sinned and that sin must be forgiven. That’s why Jesus died for us! Have you asked Jesus to be your Savior? If not, pray a simple prayer from your heart to God. It can be something like this:

“Dear Lord Jesus … I believe You are the Son of God. And I believe that You died on the cross for my sin. I know that I am a sinner, and I ask You to forgive me. I know that You were raised from the dead, and I want to live with You in Heaven. Please save me today. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me. I want to follow You for the rest of my life.”