From Jonathan Baker
The psalms for today present two aspects of God's character; His holiness (Psalm 99) and His love (Psalm 100). It is perhaps surprising that one who is completely other also has the capacity to be deeply personal. That such greatness calls us His own, rather than remaining aloof, is for me both humbling and uplifting.
I must admit that the book of Revelation always scares me a little, I think probably due to the images of final judgement and the general gravitas of the visions that John recounts for us. But in today's passage, the following phrase in ch. 22 vs 2 caught my attention "...The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." To me, it is a wonderful image of restoration. This promise of healing, of making all things new, I hope can serve as an encouragement for us when we feel the weight of brokenness, whether it be the brokenness of others or of our own making. There is final judgement; our God is holy. But He will also heal and make all things new. What an awesome world to look forward to.
I am a phd student in public policy studying water utilities. Originally from Durham, NC, I have also called Ohio and Indiana home, and currently live in Cambridge.