Read: Revelation 7:9-17
They are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night. (v. 15)
As you think about eternity in the promised land of the new heaven and new earth, you may wonder, How will we spend our days there? Certainly we’ll spend time in worship, joining with people from every nation, tribe, and language to praise God for his saving work through Jesus (vv. 9-10).
But could we worship in other ways too? In verse 15, we read that those who worship God will “serve him day and night in his temple.” And Revelation 22:3 refers to those gathered in the new heaven and new earth as “servants.” When God first created the earth, before Adam and Eve sinned, they were blessed with work to do. They worshiped God by taking care of the garden of Eden. They served God by subduing the earth (Gen. 1:28). Might it be that in the new heaven and new earth we’ll have some meaningful work to do to maintain the new earth as a place fit for God’s glory? Scientists may explore the wonders of the new earth, and with them we’ll marvel at God’s creativity. Artists and musicians may create art and music that inspires our worship of God.
There’s a lot of speculation about how we’ll spend our time in the promised land of the new heaven and new earth. But whatever we do, we can be sure our days will be filled with meaningful ways to worship and serve our great and merciful God!
As you pray, give thanks for the promise of eternity in God’s presence.
Rich Bawinkel is a retired pastor who has served churches in the Reformed Church in America and the Kingdom Network. He is married to Anne and serves as a musician in their local church, as the administrator of the Kingdom Network, and on the Words of Hope Board of Directors.
