Our scripture this morning is Revelation 21:1-7.
“Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.”
John, the author of Revelation, gives us this testimony of the vision God sent him. It beautifully expresses God’s promise fulfilled, that He is “making everything new” (v. 5) and we will live in His presence eternally. It is the blessing of a new existence in continued relationship with Him.
The things we know – the possessions and status and wealth that many thought important – will all be gone. God replaces these with His gift of life everlasting, that “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (v. 4). All the curses that sin brought to human life will cease.
The images John shares in Revelation can be confusing and frightening, but only for those who oppose the will of God. He is ready to welcome into the new Heaven and earth all who truly love Him and obey His commandments. He tells us plainly “Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.”
Gracious God, through the gift of Christ our Lord You made a way for us to be reconciled and redeemed. May we share the joy of our faith with the world, that all may look forward to eternal life in You. Amen.