“The LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.”
—Isaiah 60:20
One of the poems that many Russian children learn by heart is “A Stolen Sun.” It’s a story about a crocodile that swallows up the sun. The earth is covered with darkness. Some animals get lost, and others cannot find their food. A bear who has lost his grandchildren reluctantly fights the crocodile. After his victory the sun is released back into the sky, and the bear finds his grandchildren.
On a sunny August day it’s difficult to imagine that our sun could ever disappear. But some scientists suggest that it will. Not because of a crocodile. Supposedly our sun will burn out in about 5 billion years from now.
Regardless of the date for the sun’s end, the Bible tells us not to be worried. In the New Jerusalem we won’t need sun or moon, for the Lord himself will be our eternal light. All darkness will disappear forever, overpowered by his light of joy and salvation. Our Savior will wipe away all tears from our eyes and destroy death, violence, and pain.
When we reflect about our eternity with the Lord, we are at a loss for words. Here on earth it’s not easy to imagine heaven. Filled with symbols, the biblical passages help us discover one great truth: Christ has prepared a joyful place for those who trust in him.
Are you looking forward to spending eternity with Jesus?
Father, we look forward to the day when your everlasting light will completely overpower the darkness. Help us to trust you fully in our daily walk with you. Amen.
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