Daily devotional · October 31
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.””
John sees a new heaven and a new earth, and a voice announcing that God will live among His people. The most tender promise is that He will wipe away every tear, and death, mourning and pain will be no more. It is a picture of hope for anyone who is grieving or tired of a broken world. It does not make present sorrow small, but it gives sorrow an end. Christians differ on the details of how the future unfolds, yet they agree on this: God will make things right and be with His people. Today, if you are carrying grief, allow yourself to be comforted by that promise, and do not carry it alone: talk with a pastor, counselor or friend. If you are well, comfort someone who is hurting today.
Prayer
God of all comfort, wipe away my tears and make me a comfort to someone else. Amen.