The Final Chapter

​As a child I loved to be read to. My mind was captivated by heroes and villains, rescues and trials, and the downtrodden turned strong. I loved the hope that assuredly always came in the last few pages where everything made sense and had a happy ending. Knowing the ending would be “happily ever after” made the story worth reading. It anchored my little heart through all the twists and turns it took to get to those final pages.
 
I have to admit, Revelation is not one of my favorite books to read. It is coarse, not easy to understand, and full of imagery that is not for the faint of heart. Not even theologians agree on much of it, but as we take a closer look there is something very beautiful unfolding in it all.

​The story of mankind laid out in God’s Word is much like the stories I loved to read. There is a Hero, a villain, and a people who need rescue. The story starts out beautifully, only to have something dark and sinister captivate the beloved. There is One who is stronger than the villain, ready to do what it takes to rescue. In this story, the weak become strong, the broken become whole, the sinful become righteous, and the shamed are healed. Sadness turns to joy, and despair turns to hope. Chaos is turned to order, and what is wrong is made right again.
 
Revelation is the final chapter when all things are complete and all is made new. The villain is conquered, the pain is relieved, the relationship is restored— there is happily ever after.
 
In Revelation 21:3-5a, the Apostle John shares his God-given vision. He says, “Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: ‘Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.’ Then the one seated on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new.’”
 
Though we don’t live in Happily Ever After yet, this message is hope for us today. Because of Jesus, we are invited to know Him and live a life of intimacy with Him now, but in the future there is so much more promised for those who put their hope in Him. Knowing how the story ends anchors our hearts through the twists and turns of life. We can know whatever trial we are going through will not last forever.
 
Stories with tragic endings like untimely death and loss are not the final chapter. We may not like the chapter we’re in, but we can be sure of the ending because the last hope-filled chapter is promised. We will once again be with God and see Him as he truly is. We will be unhindered by sin and its effects and every ounce of grief, sadness and pain will no longer be ours.
 
Knowing the final chapter of God’s story, and the story of mankind makes life worth living. Today, let us lift our eyes above our present trouble, and fix our eyes on our promised Hope.
 
With our eyes on the future and the One Who holds it all, we can be courageous to face our day. The end of the story is not our small story, our pain or even our joys, but the end of our story and the story of us all is being with the One who created us all and loves with an intensity we cannot comprehend.

Memory Verse: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

About the Author

Hi! I'm Wendy Gerdes and I live in Omaha, Nebraska with my family. John and I have been married for twenty years and we have three teens plus a twelve year old who keep us busy. I always say every stage is my favorite, but this stage really IS my favorite! On a quiet day, I can usually be found reading or writing. Hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends are also favorite pastimes. I am most passionate about learning and writing about God's heart for us. When we begin to see his heart for us and towards us, it changes everything! Connect with Wendy at www.wendygerdes.wordpress.com

---