It was a beautiful afternoon in the quiet suburban neighborhood where John lived. As he walked his dog, he noticed a group of people gathered at the end of the street. As he approached, he saw that they were all looking at a newly built gate that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. The gate had intricate carvings of angels and flowers, and was made of the purest gold.
As John got closer, he overheard a conversation about what could be beyond the gate. Some said it was a wealthy person’s estate, while others believed it was a portal to another world. Curiosity getting the best of him, John decided to investigate.
As he walked through the gate, he was greeted by the most magnificent sight he had ever seen. The streets were paved with gold, and the buildings were made of precious stones. People from all walks of life were gathered, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. The air was filled with the sweetest fragrance, and the sound of a river running nearby.
As John explored the city, he began to realize that this was not just any city. This was the New Jerusalem, the city written about in the last chapter of the Bible. John was taken aback by the beauty and perfection of this place.
He had never experienced anything like it in his life. Everything was in harmony and peace. There was no sadness or sorrow, only joy and love. John felt as if he had arrived home, even though he had never been there before.
As he walked further, he noticed a tree of life that bore fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree provided healing for all nations. John couldn’t believe the extent of the goodness that was present in this place.
He met an old man who was sitting by the river, and they got to talking. The old man told John that this was the paradise that God had promised to his people. He said that God had promised to come and dwell with his people, and that there would be no more death, mourning, crying or pain.
John knew that he had experienced something that was beyond human understanding. He had seen a glimpse of heaven, and he knew that there was no greater joy than being in the presence of God.
As John left the city, he felt as though he had been transformed. He knew that he would never be the same, and that he had been given a glimpse of what was to come. He felt grateful for the experience, and he knew that he would remember it for the rest of his life.
"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations." – Revelation 22:1-2