This Sunday our readings are again from the book of Revelation.  Many avoid reading this final book in the Bible, so full of symbols and strange creatures, and stories of the end of time.  Yet we also seem to have a strong appetite for stories of the end of the world as we know it.  Script writers love to conjecture about what might happen to us and to the world.  In 2009, Hollywood produced four new apocalyptic films and many older ones remain very popular--Mad Max even has another installment in the works.
These movies play on our fear of the unknown future.   The earth is destroyed, mountains crash, people perish and families are torn apart as the survivors attempt to settle in what remains of the earth.
How very different to John’s apocalypse in the book of Revelation!  Though it contains its fair share of destruction, it is written to encourage and not to frighten.  It is written to help us see the glorious future that we have to look forward to, when the promises of God are fulfilled in their entirety and we live at peace.  It is written to reassure those who worry and remind them that the future is firmly in the hands of a good and loving God.
In today’s reading, there is a description of a new city, the new Jerusalem, which is radiant with the glory of God.  There is no temple in it as God’s presence is no longer contained in one building, but permeates the whole city and all the people who live in it. The city has no need of a sun or moon to shine because God is its light.  The gates are never shut and all are welcome to come into the city and enjoy all of its delights.  People from all nations of the world will flock to this city and find healing there. Most importantly,  Jesus will be in the this city and people will worship him and see his face!
The word ‘apocalypse’ means unveiling or uncovering.  So what do we see unveiled in our future?  Rather than fear,destruction and meaninglessness, Revelation tells us we look forward to the unveiling of God’s face, the true peace and joy of living moment by moment in his presence.
 Our imaginations and fears can run wild when we worry about the future and what will happen to the world.  But Jesus tells us not to fear.  He leaves us his peace, the peace that comes from knowing the end and knowing that the end is incredibly good.  His death and resurrection have secured an entry for all who want to live in that great city.  Look forward in confidence and faith to the day when his kingdom will come and we will dwell with him in peace.
 Rev’d Beth Spence