A vista into a world of wondrous ideas, signifying Man’s achievements… A step into the future, with predictions of constructed things to come. Tomorrow offers new frontiers in science, adventure and ideals. The Atomic Age, the challenge of Outer Space and the hope for a peaceful, unified world.
—Walter E. Disney, July 17, 1955
This is the dedication speech that Walt Disney gave to millions of people over 60 years ago when the new Disneyland theme park called ‘Tomorrowland’ opened. If you have ever been there, you know that over the decades, it is one of the most interesting and imaginative places to see while visiting the happiest place on earth.
Walt Disney was known for his futuristic views, and I believe he would be pleased to see that George Clooney, Hugh Laurie, and Britt Robertson are at the helm of a motion picture that explores the Tomorrowland theme. I won’t throw any spoilers your way, but I will mention that Walt Disney’s ‘hope for a peaceful, unified world’ is in the plot mix.
I think the movie will be excellent, and it is so refreshing to see an original idea for a movie come to the screens, and best of all, Walt Disney isn’t the only one who hoped for and predicted a peaceful, unified world!
A very long time before Disney built Tomorrowland (roughly 2000 years in fact!), a close friend of Jesus named John was given the gift of an unbelievable vision from God of a tomorrow that still hasn’t happened. Check this out:
I looked again and could hardly believe my eyes. Everything above me was new. Everything below me was new. Everything around me was new because the heaven and earth that had been passed away, and the sea was gone, completely. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride on her wedding day, adorned for her husband and for His eyes only. And I heard a great voice, coming from the throne.
A Voice: See, the home of God is with His people.
He will live among them;
They will be His people,
And God Himself will be with them.
The prophecies are fulfilled:
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
Mourning no more, crying no more, pain no more,
For the first things have gone away.
And the One who sat on the throne announced to His creation,
The One: See, I am making all things new (Revelation 21:1-5)
Did you catch that Tomorrowland? No more death…no more crying…and no more pain. That means wars have ceased, cancer has been eradicated, racism and bullying and abuse and anger and jealousy and deceptions are a distant and one day-forgotten memory from Yesterdayland!
Can I get an Amen???
God is making all things new, which means whatever you have gone through yesterday and today will be redeemed in future tomorrow.
But…there is a catch! Just like in the film (and at the Disney Park for that matter), there is a specific way that you enter into Tomorrowland, and the real one is no different:
I saw a great white throne, and One was seated upon it The earth and heaven receded from His presence; there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing in front of the throne Some books were opened. Then another book was opened; it was called the book of life. And the dead were judged according to what had been recorded in the first books; these were the records of everything they had done. And everyone whose name could not be found among the names written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-12;15)
Admittance into the Tomorrowland of heaven is a free ticket that was paid for by a Man’s very life over 2000 years ago. Jesus Christ shed His blood to open the gates of paradise for all who trust in Him as their only hope of salvation. When you believe in Jesus and receive eternal life, your name is written in The Book of Life, and you have a spot saved for you in the eternal Tomorrowland of heaven!
But don’t keep this great truth to yourself- remember that THE Cause is your mission, and your friends and family need to have their names written in The Book of Life as well.
See you Tomorrow!
Flashpoint: Ignite Into Action
When I think of Tomorrowland, I get so excited about serving Jesus today! Picture a world without death or sorrow or pain, and you will be motivated to share the gospel for THE Cause!
Accelerant: Fuel for THE Cause
Pray: Jesus, thank you for giving us a hope about the future with the promise of heaven. Thank you that there will be no more death, or crying or pain because you suffered and died on our behalf. Please empower us to invite people into the Kingdom.
Read: Isaiah 65:17
Get: The Reality of Heaven and Hell. Dive deeper into ‘What Tomorrowland will be like’ in this youth group bible study that will address the questions, ‘Is there a real heaven and hell, and what are they like?’
Discussion Guide for Leaders
Want to use this Soul Fuel as a bible study with your students this week? Copy and text them the following: “What would a peaceful and unified life look like for you? What about a peaceful and unified world? Read this week’s devo on Tomorrowland and the hope we have for Heaven on earth: http://hubs.ly/y0PdTQ0“
Big Idea: When we focus on the Tomorrowland of Heaven, our lives take on a new perspective.
Key Scripture: Revelation 20:11-12;15
Discussion Questions:
- What do you think Tomorrowland will look like in America?
- Why did Walt Disney think that technology could bring peace to the future?
- How can thinking about our future home in heaven motivate us to share our faith?
- How can you apply this Soul Fuel to THE Cause?
