Revelation 21:1-4

Revelation 21:1-4

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth.  For the first heaven and the first earth went away – and there is no longer any sea.  And I saw a new Jerusalem – the holy city – while coming down out of heaven from God having been prepared as a bride having been adorned by her man.  And I heard a great voice out of the throne while saying, “Look!  The dwelling of God is with mankind, and He will dwell with them.  And they will be His people and He – God – will be their God with them.  And He will wipe away every tear out of their eyes.  And death will no longer be.  Neither will there be mourning, crying out, pain any longer since the first things went away.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

As we truly do turn to the future here, we can catch a glimpse of life after judgment.  Sin has been dealt with.  This is life after rebellion has been taken away.  God’s enemies, those who desire to interfere with our relationship with God, are gone.  In this context, we shouldn’t be surprised to find that God has even cast away the current creation.  God will make all things new.  There will be a new heaven and a new earth.

What do you think this new heaven and new earth will be like?  Why do you think there will be both a new heaven and a new earth?

Second Thought:

We also get a glimpse of the New Jerusalem.  Naturally, Jerusalem continues to be the holy city.  Furthermore, we see that this city is prepared by God as a gift to His holy people.  God will dwell there with His people.  But for me, what I think is truly significant about this passage is that in the life to come, God will make Jerusalem Himself.  Human beings built the Jerusalem that was destroyed by Babylon.  Human built the Jerusalem that was destroyed by Rome.  In the day when rebellion has been cast away, God will rebuild His city with His own hands.  What God creates, nobody can tear down.

How does this passage speak to God’s omnipotence?  How does this passage speak to God’s provision?

Third Thought:

Not only will we dwell with God, but He will wipe away every tear from our eye.  As John writes these words, I’m sure that he was thinking of Isaiah 25:6-9.  Pain, death, and the other negative aspects of life will be cast away.  Imagine living a life where everything that happens is for our good and we can understand its purpose in our life.

What do you think a life with ne tears will be like?  Do you think everything will be easy or fun? 

Passage for Tomorrow: Revelation 21:5-8