The fleeting comforts of earth are not a requirement for happiness in this heavenly city. The presence of the Lord Himself is enough to satisfy the most profound of desires. In this divine place, there is no need for teachers. Although they surely discuss the things of God amongst themselves, they are taught directly by the Lord.

In the world we know, we rely on perishable food and clothing, subject to decay; but in that heavenly city, all sustenance is found God. There will be no need to draw water from a well; instead, we will drink directly from the Source of living water.

The heavenly messengers will need not bring blessings from God, for we will see Him face to face. What a blessed time it will be when we rise above every secondary cause and rest solely in the strength of God! What a glorious moment when God and not His creations--the Lord and not His works--become our daily joy. At this time, our souls will attain the apex of bliss.

Father, Illuminate our path with Your divine light;
May we seek to rely more and more on Your providence.
Guide us to a deeper understanding of Your Word;
Nurture within us a yearning for eternal bliss.

Questions for Reflection

1. How can we cultivate a sense of independence from material comforts in our daily lives?
2. What practices might help us to remember and appreciate the non-material blessings we receive?
3. How does the description of God's city change your perspective on earthly relationships and our dependence on them?
4. If you lived in a place where there was no sickness or tiredness, how would your life and your priorities change?
5. What might "leaning upon the Lord alone" look like in your daily life?
6. How can we focus more on God and less on His creations in our everyday life?
7. If we were to rely solely on God for sustenance, how might that change our behaviors and attitudes?
8. What does the idea of "drinking from the source of living water" mean to you personally?
9. If we can imagine a place where we are directly taught by God, how might that influence our approach to learning and seeking knowledge now?
10. What does it mean to you to "see God face to face"?
11. How can you apply the concept of resting solely in the strength of God in your current circumstances?
12. How can you cultivate a longing for eternal bliss within your heart and mind?

Supporting Scriptures

Isaiah 24:23: The moon will be confounded and the sun will be ashamed; for the LORD of Hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before His elders with great glory.
Isaiah 60:19-20: No longer will the sun be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on your night; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor.
Ezekiel 48:35: The perimeter of the city will be 18,000 cubits, and from that day on the name of the city will be: THE LORD IS THERE.”
Malachi 4:2: “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall.
John 8:12: Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”
2 Corinthians 4:6: For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:5: And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

Dawn and Dusk: Scriptures, Devotions, and Prayers. Inspired by Charles Haddon Spurgeon's Morning and Evening: Daily Readings. You are free to copy as needed for noncommercial personal and ministry use.