Saturday 30 December 2017

Psalm: Psalm 128

Background

The book of Revelation is probably used and understood in more different ways than any other book of the Bible. The beautiful imagery is and has been interpreted in many different ways.

Here we have seven verses describing the most wonderful place for eternity, where God and mortals are together and God transforms all past pain and suffering. It is not surprising then that these verses are often used at funeral services, while verse 8 is usually excluded.

Given how powerfully prevalent the imagery of the second death, with the lake that burns with fire and sulphur, has been in art and theology, it is worth noting how much more attention is given to the new heaven and new earth.

Contrary to most depictions of heaven in art and literature, verses 1 to 7 are all about loving relationship rather than about possessions or place/geography/activity. It seems unlikely then that interpretations that focus on the physical (the coming down of the new Jerusalem) are going to be very helpful. One school of thought claimed that if you ran a videotape of the Ascension in reverse then what you would see was verse 2.

If, on the other hand, we think of this in those loving relationship terms then we get this very different and beautiful image of God being with us and transforming everything about us for good. And that would include forgiveness, reconciliation and new life.

There is clear imagery here that fits with the (very theological) discussion Jesus has about worship with the woman at the well in John 4.

To Ponder

• Which of the imagery for this new heaven and earth do you find most attractive? Why?
• How do you feel about verse 8, particularly if you think about the recent #MeToo campaign and others, which have brought to light many stories of abuse that have been ignored?