Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’ - Revelation 21:2-4. 

In the movie and the book “Sum of All Fears” by Tom Clancy the president of Russia dies unexpectedly. The new government of Russia appears to be hostile toward the USA and tensions mount. A nuclear bomb explodes during the Super Bowl and a nuclear war appears unavoidable unless those really responsible for the attacks are found and uncovered. A catastrophic nuclear war destroying virtually all life on the planet could indeed be called the “Sum of All Fears.” 

In direct contrast to the “Sum of All Fears” God promises us in His Word the sum of all joy. Heaven, New Jerusalem, will be every possible, joy, happiness, peace, and good thing all added together and multiplied by a million. Heaven is so wonderful it is beyond the ability of our human mind to comprehend the awesome beauty and splendor and wonder of the place. 

John attempts to describe some of what he sees in his vision of heaven and says, “And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: they need no lamp nor light of the sun for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever (Revelation 22:1-5).” 

One of the most amazing things about God and Heaven is that He wants us to be there with Him! Over and over, we are invited to come to God, invited to receive Christ as our Savior who bridges the gap between sinful man and the most holy God. In the very last chapter of the Bible one more great invitation is given. “I, Jesus have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star. And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely (Revelation 22:16-17.).” 

Please don’t miss out on the sum of all joy, heaven. You’ve been invited! Accept the invitation by receiving Christ Jesus as your Savior.

(This devotional was inspired by the death of our pianist and music director, Eileen Logan. Eileen is now experiencing the sum of all joy. Eileen was a great friend, supporter, encourager and I loved her perhaps even more than my own mother. She was at church Sunday night and then passed away quietly at her home during the night. She will be greatly missed! Her funeral service is today.)