Daily Bible Reading — Sustained by God’s Word of JoyÖrnek

December 30 Introduction We conclude the year by reading the final two chapters in the last book in the Bible, known as The Revelation to John, written at a time when Christians were being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. The central theme of the book is that, through Christ the Lord, God will finally and totally defeat all his enemies, including Satan (Revelation 20:7-10), and will reward his faithful people with the blessings of a new heaven and a new earth when this victory is complete. In today’s reading, John’s vision now describes God bringing in a new heaven and earth as well as a new city, which represents a renewal of the whole creation. God will dwell among the people; and pain, sorrow, and death will be no more. Today’s Scripture: Revelation 21:7 Those who win the victory will receive this from me: I will be their God, and they will be my children. Today’s Reading Revelation 21:1-27 Reflect Who is the “Bride, the wife of the Lamb” (verse 9)? How is the new Jerusalem described (verses 11-21)?  What is now the “temple” (verse 22) and why is there “no need of the sun or the moon” (verse 23)? How do you envision what is described in this chapter? Pray Loving God, you make all things new. Renew your creation and make your home among us. Teach us to care for those in need and to be faithful stewards of the world you created.  Refresh me with your gracious Spirit and empower me to walk in your light and serve you faithfully. Amen. Prayer Concern Those recovering from earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, and floods Tomorrow’s Reading Revelation 22:1-21: Jesus will come again.