“I, John, am the one who heard and saw all these things”—(a vision of the wedding feast of the Lamb, and our coming life in the new heaven and new earth). “And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me… But he said to me, ‘Don’t worship me… Worship God.’” (Rev.19:9-10; Rev. 22:8-9)
Lord Jesus, we all have experienced moments of sensory overload—when all of our senses were quickened in an electrifying, overwhelming, energizing way. Sights, sounds, tastes, touches, the aroma of wonder… seizing us, creating a whole-body smile and sense of awe. Sitting still was no longer an option. Staying mute was impossible. Falling down, running around, making sounds we used to emit as small children… the freedom of response, unfettered joy, throwing caution and modesty to the wind.
That happened to me on my first trip to Switzerland. But I realize now that visit was just a small taste of what John experienced when you gave him an all-senses preview of our coming life in the new heaven and new earth. Grant us the same, Jesus, and more of the same.
John’s circumstances were horrible—to say the least—when you gave him this participatory vision. Many of us need a transcendent touch of your Spirit too, Jesus, for we inhabit all kinds of stories that make eternal life more compelling than ever. We’re not asking for experience for experience sake, but to know and love you as fully as pre-glorified believers possibly can. Jesus, be our greatest and dearest treasure—again, or for the very first time. So Very Amen