Daily devotional · April 26
All Things New
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I saw the holy city, the 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, and He will dwell with them. 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 there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.” And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.””
John sees a new heaven and a new earth, and a voice declaring that God will dwell with his people. God himself will wipe every tear from their eyes; death, mourning, crying and pain will be no more. Then the one on the throne says: I am making everything new. Notice the verb: making, not merely replacing. God is restoring creation, not discarding it. This vision gives strength to endure now, because our present sorrows are not the final chapter. It also motivates us to bring small bits of restoration into the world today. Choose one thing you can renew: a strained friendship, a neglected corner of your home, a habit that has gone stale. Take a first step. Let the future God promises shape a little of your present, and pray for those who are hurting right now.
Prayer
Lord, You make all things new. Give me hope and let me bring a little renewal today. Amen.