The Kingdom of God 9 – No more tears

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on the promise of God’s reign.

Scripture

Revelation 21:1-5

1  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.  2  And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  3  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.  4  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.”  5  And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Observation and reflection

1. According to this vision of John, what is the new creation like which God shall create?
2. Note how God will relate to people in this New Creation in verse 3. What do you understand in these three phrases?
   1. “he will dwell with them”
   2. “they will be his people”
   3. “God himself will be with them as their God”
3. In verse 4 John describes how God will comfort and console his people in the New Creation.
   1. What shall be no more?
   2. What does this suggest of the nature and character of God?
   3. What are the “former things” which “have passed away?”
   4. Why were there “death”, “mourning”, “crying”, and “pain” in the previous creation?
   5. Why have they “passed away”? In other words, what would cause them to pass away when God makes all things new?

Personal reflection and prayer

When the Lord returns to reign in his kingdom, there will be no more death, suffering, sickness or pain.  He promises to make all things new!

1. If God rebuilds city structures, making it new, would it take away “death”, “mourning”, “crying”, and “pain”? Why not?  Would replacing a government, or renewing an education system, or better health system, or rejuvenated the economy bring an end to “death”, “mourning”, “crying”, and “pain”?  Why not?
2. What must God “make new” to eradicate “death”, “mourning”, “crying”, and “pain”. [hint: how did these things enter into the first creation?  And what did Jesus came to make new? (2 Corinthians 5:17)]
3. Which behavioral patterns do you notice in you which causes “pain” in people who cross your path daily – especially those closest to you? Confess that to God and ask him to renew your heart, that his Kingdom may come into that area of your life!