The Joy of Glory

*Good Friday service tonight at SVCC, 6:30-7:30pm

Revelation 21:1-8 (click here)
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:4-5)

Reflection
On Good Friday… death died in the death of Christ.

That’s not just a fun sentence to write…nor is it just a fun thought to think about…it’s rock solid reality!

So why do we still experience tears, pain, and death?

We live in the midst of what can be called the “already, not-yet.” There are ways in which we experience the kingdom of God already…but there are also many ways it is not yet here in full.

Already Christ has defeated our sin, but we have not yet been completely glorified.
Already Christ has defeated the devil, but he has not yet been banished to hell.
Already Christ has defeated death, but death has not yet been completely removed.

We live in the “already, not yet.”

But the good news of the Gospel is that the “not yet” will not always be the “not yet.” The day is coming when it will be transformed into the “right now.” Jesus’ death and resurrection are the beginning of God’s work of making all things new and they stand as the testimony that he will complete this work!

He will wipe away our tears, end our pain, and banish death itself!

He is making all things new…including me…and including you! He will bring this great work to completion and this is our great hope! It is a rock solid hope! A guaranteed hope! You know why? Because…

On Good Friday death died in the death of Christ!

*All previous devotionals may be found at www.thejoyofglory.com
*The complete SVCC Lenten reading guide is available here.
*On Easter at SVCC everyone is invited to bring bread (no nuts) for our communion tables to overflow in celebration. You are also invited to bring flowers that we will use during the latter portion of our service to adorn the cross. Hope to see you on Easter!