Revelation_21

 Scripture

Revelation 21:1,3-4

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea…³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Observation

We’ve read through the signs and death and destruction that are envisioned to come. And now comes “a new heaven and a new earth.”

Understanding

The new heaven and the new earth will not be separate from each other; the earth of the saints, their glorified, bodies, will be heavenly. The old world, with all its troubles and tumults, will have passed away. There will be no sea; this aptly represents freedom from conflicting passions, temptations, troubles, changes, and alarms; from whatever can divide or interrupt the communion of saints.

This new Jerusalem is the church of God in its new and perfect state, the church triumphant. Its blessedness came wholly from God, and depends on him.

The presence of God with his people in heaven, will not be interrupt as it is on earth, he will dwell with them continually.

All effects of former trouble shall be done away. They have often been in tears, by reason of sin, of affliction, of the calamities of the church; but no signs, no remembrance of former sorrows shall remain.

Christ makes all things new.

If we are willing and desirous that the gracious Redeemer should make all things new in order hearts and nature, he will make all things new in respect of our situation, till he has brought us to enjoy complete happiness.

[https://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=66&c=21

, emphasis mine]

Life Application

I love God’s presence. To imagine a time and place where He is continually with us without interruption, without the distractions fills my heart.

And just like He will make all things new, establishing a new heaven and new earth, He has the power to make all things new in our heart at any moment. We just need to choose to live it out.

God, continually renew my heart. Make all things new in my perspective in every situation, in the way I see people…every morning and every hour, renew my heart with a passion to seek you and desire to see people, places and things (situations) like you do.  I know there’s still a spiritual battle being waged over my life and over those I love; help me to “fight” strong, with boldness and strength and faith…God, that I all know (and even those I don’t) may come to know you.  I believe everything we do has a ripple effect.  May the ripple I create be in partnership with you and what you desire to do in the hearts of those you love.

- Rei

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