My wife teases me for watching the same movies over and over again. But I enjoy them more the second (or third or fourth) time because I know what’s going to happen. I don’t worry when the hero or heroine encounters massive obstacles, because I know the story ends well.
Lingering on the remote island of Patmos, the apostle John saw that God’s story ends well. We read about it in the book of Revelation. In a prophetic vision, the last living apostle of Christ experienced the end times. He predicted great trouble, wars, famines, and chaos. Then Jesus will return to finish what he started — the full restoration of humankind. He will vanquish enemies, serve justice, and make everything new.
When we know God, he plants in us a hunger for his glory. We experience moments of glory now and then, tasting and seeing that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). We want more. We ache to fully realize all his beauty and majesty.
Life is not easy. From personal struggles to worldwide conflicts, we are tempted to worry about many things. But it comforts us to know that God controls all things. Someday, whether we go to him or he comes to us, we will experience his presence. We will fully experience what we have merely tasted. We will completely immerse ourselves in God’s glory and enjoy him forever.
I enjoy stories where I know the ending.
**Whatever life brings, I won’t worry because I already know the glorious end of God’s amazing story. **
_Father, thank you for telling us your story from beginning to end, even though we have not yet reached that end. It is so comforting to know that you will judge the world with righteousness, put an end to evil, and create a new heavens and earth that is utterly freed from every single trace of sin and totally filled with your glory. How I long for the end of the story, which is only the true beginning. _
Throughout This Day: Now that you have gone through this series of reflections on God’s story, ask God to show you if there is anyone you can invite to go through it with you. For a fuller version of it, complete with further readings and discussion questions, please consult: From Genesis to Revelation, on Cru.org.
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