Revelation 21:1-4 - 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.”

In Revelation 21:1-4, John shares a vision of heaven he was given by God. He sees a new heaven and earth, with no more sea. He sees the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a beautiful bride. John hears a loud voice from the throne proclaiming that God will dwell among his people and be their God. God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain because the old order has passed away. This passage gives us a glimpse of the perfection and beauty of heaven, where God and his people will dwell together in eternal joy.

What a beautiful picture this passage paints of heaven. So often in this broken world we experience pain, suffering, sadness and death. But God promises that one day he will make all things new. In heaven there will be no more weeping or gnashing of teeth. Every tear will be wiped away by the loving hand of our Father. We will be fully in his presence, and he will be our God. What a day of rejoicing that will be! In heaven, God himself will wipe away our tears and there will be no more sorrow or crying. What a comfort this promise gives us, especially when we walk through dark valleys in this life. We can have hope that a perfect, eternal joy awaits us where God will dwell among his people. Until that day, may this promise sustain us and give us strength to persevere through trials. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, as we await the holy city coming down out of heaven.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the hope and promise of eternity with you that is revealed in Revelation 21. This world is filled with so much pain and suffering, but your Word declares that you will make all things new. One day you will wipe away every tear and there will be no more death, crying, or pain. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on that glorious promise as we walk through this valley of tears. Sustain us by your Holy Spirit until that day when we will see you face to face in the holy city, New Jerusalem. It is in the precious name of Jesus that we pray, amen.