Category: Revelation

  • Otters

    and the Eden we long for

    Yesterday, Kathy and I made a day trip out to Steveson. We walked at Garry Point, enjoying the coastal views (Salish Sea, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and part of the Fraser River). It was fascinating watching the various marine craft come and go. The highlight, though, was the otters.

    We enjoyed a meal of fish and chips at #pajo’s on the boardwalk. Afterward, as we strolled near Fisherman’s Wharf, we spotted three otters. At first, they were simply swimming and playing, but they proceeded to climb up onto a far end of the dock within sight of us. They were hilarious to watch as they played and explored some of the watercraft. They kept us amused for 5-10 minutes before they disappeared from our sight. They were close enough to see well, but not close enough to photograph, clearly on my phone, so today’s image is courtesy of Kendra Young on Unsplash.

    I always enjoy watching animals at play, and when I do, I often think of the Garden of Eden. The Garden was deemed “very good” by God, and no sin had entered. I know many species of animals and birds can differentiate 

    between humans, becoming trusting and often very friendly with them. I’m certain the animals played freely, and that Adam and Eve were free to join in. 

    While Eden is, alas, no more. A heavenly paradise awaits those who belong to Christ. It’s a place that defies description, but I am certain it will be everything Eden was and more.

    John the Revelator attempted to describe what he saw in the Revelation; the Holy Spirit inspired him to write. Here’s a taste of what He said.

    Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”  Revelation 21:1-5 ESV

    Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:1-4 ESV

    I can’t begin to imagine it. To be honest, I can’t even really picture the fullness of what the Garden of Eden was like, and it foreshadowed what will come. Still, I can hardly wait to see it.

    I have my Holy Spirit-sealed ticket to Paradise. Do you have yours?

    If you haven’t trusted Jesus by faith yet, do it today.

    Kevin

    SUMMARY

    Watching three playful otters explore the docks in Steveston reminded me of Eden’s innocence, when animals and humans lived in unbroken harmony. The Garden of Eden is gone now, but through Christ, an even greater paradise awaits those who trust Him

    TAKEAWAY

    I watched three otters play and explore the docks at Steveston, and it reminded me of the untouched harmony of Eden

    I believe the animals in Eden trusted humans completely, free enough that Adam and Eve could have joined right in their play

    Revelation 21–22 shows me the paradise to come, greater than Eden ever was, where God dwells with His people forever and wipes away every tear

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  • Down to the River

    the river - an invitation

    I caught an old spiritual on YouTube last night, “Down to the River to Pray.” The version I listened to was far too slow for my personal taste, but it got me thinking. It’s been around since the late 1800s, but got a revival of sorts with the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”

    This is Alison Krause’s version . In case you aren’t familiar with the song, the lyrics are:

    As I went down in the river to pray
    Studyin’ about that good ol’ way
    And who shall wear the starry crown?
    Good Lord, show me the way

    [Verse 1]
    O, sisters, let’s go down
    Let’s go down, come on down
    O, sisters, let’s go down
    Down in the river to pray

    It then repeats with sisters being replaced by brothers, fathers, mothers and sinners.

    “As I went down to the river to pray…” is a call to repentance and prayer.

    The river is a place of seeking God. Throughout Scripture, rivers are associated with cleansing, renewal, and God’s saving work. The emphasis is not merely on water but on approaching God in humility and prayer. 

    The imagery naturally evokes baptism, especially the outdoor river baptisms common in the American South. Baptism symbolizes repentance, identification with Christ, cleansing from sin, and entrance into the covenant community (Matthew 3; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4). The song itself does not claim that baptism saves; it uses baptismal imagery as part of a broader call to seek God. 

    “Studyin’ about that good old way.” The phrase is an invitation to faithful discipleship. It refers to learning and walking in God’s ways. It echoes passages such as:

    •          Jeremiah 6:16 (“Ask for the ancient paths…”)

    •          John 14:6 (“I am the way…”)

    •          Acts, where Christianity is repeatedly called “the Way.”

    “Who shall wear the robe and crown?” This points to the believer’s future inheritance. The imagery comes from Revelation:

    •          White robes symbolize those cleansed by Christ (Revelation 7:13–14).

    •          Crowns symbolize the reward of faithful perseverance (Revelation 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12). 

    Some older versions sing “starry crown” rather than “robe and crown”. While the precise meaning is uncertain, most Christian interpreters understand it as another image of heavenly glory.

    The verse addresses a different group each time: sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers and sinners. This reflects the inclusive call of the gospel: everyone is invited to come to God in repentance and faith.

    Its weakness, if one were looking for doctrinal precision, is simply that it is a spiritual rather than a systematic theological statement. It never explicitly mentions Christ’s atoning death or justification by faith. 

    Instead, it functions as a communal invitation to seek God and walk “the good old way,” using biblical imagery familiar to Christian worshipers.

    In that spirit, allow me to extend an invitation.

    For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 ESV

    Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 ESV

    The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. Revelation 22:17

    … if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Romans 10:9-10

    My brothers and sisters, if you have not already done so, I invite you, and Jesus calls you to come down to the river.

    Be blessed today,

    Kevin

    You might also like: The Gospel, the best news you will ever hear.

    SUMMARY

    I caught an old spiritual on YouTube last night, “Down to the River to Pray,” and it got me thinking well past the melody. Behind its simple imagery of sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, and sinners going down to the water lies a real call to repentance and discipleship, and I wanted to trace that call back to Scripture and extend it to you.

    TAKEAWAY

    The river imagery in the old spiritual echoes baptism throughout Scripture: cleansing, repentance, and entrance into the covenant community.

    “Studying that good old way” points to walking in God’s truth, from Jeremiah’s ancient paths to Jesus as the Way in John 14:6.

    The song’s inclusive call to sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, and sinners mirrors the gospel invitation extended to everyone, which the post carries forward with a direct call to salvation.

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    Read the Word

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