The Beauty of God: A Six-Day Series of Reflections to Invite Wonder Sample

Beauty in Consummation

And they lived happily ever after. Thus ends our favorite fairy tales. Humanity craves resolution to conflict. We wait with anticipation to see good triumph over evil, light outshine darkness, and, of course, for the couple to finally realize they have loved each other all along.

The human story contains the same threads. We long for the brokenness of Eden to undergo restoration, for relief from the disease of sin once and for all. Often, we devise solutions to our fallen condition, seeking remedy through wealth, relationships, status, and success. Yet, our best efforts to make things right can leave us with even more pain and disappointment.

In His graciousness, God offers a glimpse at the final chapter. Scripture reveals an ending more wonderful than we could have imagined. The Lord promises to swallow up death and its realm forever and wipe away each tear (Is. 25:8). Not only that, but a banquet awaits those who belong to the family of God—with invitations extended to the most unlikely guests (Matt. 22:8-10). This wedding feast will include the “best of meats” and the “finest of wines,” a celebration that would put even the British royal family to shame (Is. 25:8). Imagine the candles flickering, illuminating faces of loved ones reuniting, and delicacies from around the world on display.

Still, the most shocking part of it all—we, who existed as enemies of God, will stand in attendance, not as plus-ones or hired help, but as the bride, blemish-free, beautifully dressed, and home at last (Col. 1:22; Rev. 21:2–9).

An Invitation

The perfection of our heavenly home redeems the pain of the Garden. At that time, all things will be made new. What aspects of your life do you most long to see made new? How does our promised future provide hope for today?

Meditate on Scripture’s description of the New Jerusalem and the feast to come. What images and feelings come to mind? Pray, reflecting on that day and the church’s role as the bride of Christ.

This 6-day plan was written by Dallas Theological Seminary student Bonnie Patterson and is brought to you by Aspire Productions.