ULTIMATE HEALING
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among His people! He will live with them, and they will be His people. God Himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Revelation 21:1-4 (NLT)
One day, all things will be set right.
It’s easy to grow despondent or depressed when we look at the world around us. There’s so much evil and hatred and suffering and brokenness. Our bodies grow weak and begin to break down. Perhaps you’ve watched a loved one go through cancer treatments or slowly lose their memory. These are heartbreaking situations. But. There. Is. Hope. Not hope in the sense of I hope this works out. Biblical hope is the confident expectation that what God has promised will come to pass. And that means that one day, all things will be set right.
John’s description of the future in Revelation 21 is moving. Creation as we know it will pass away, and a new heaven and earth will come to pass. Restored to what it was before the fall in Genesis 3. In a word—perfection. God will dwell among His people. And He will wipe away every tear. Think of all the things that have brought those tears to your eyes, and know this—they will be no more. No more death, sorrow or pain. Hallelujah—praise Jesus!
We’re not there yet. How long remains between now and this final chapter of the Bible? Only God knows. But in the waiting, we remain steadfast, remembering that God has never failed us and believing He never will. Our ultimate healing will come. Pray that King Jesus would come soon.
APPLICATION: Take some time to reflect on the following passages in light of what we’ve discussed today: Philippians 3:12-14; Colossians 3:1-4; Hebrews 12:12-13.
PRAYER: God, You will set all things right one day. Grant me patience and endurance in the waiting. Strengthen my faith when doubt begins to creep in. May Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Come quickly, Lord Jesus, in Your name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?