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. ‘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.” (Revelation 21:3-4 NIV)
As believers in the Lord Jesus, we have a great hope that we look forward to. It is a hope that should sustain us through the struggles of life in this world. A hope that looks beyond this life to an eternal future in the presence of our Lord and God.
Revelation was written to churches faced with the challenge of conforming to the culture around them or facing the consequences. And these visions John was given served two purposes. Firstly, they helped the churches visualize the great spiritual battle they were in. And secondly, to assure them that, if they remained faithful, they would emerge victorious from the battle and see their hope become a reality.
Hope Becomes Reality
At the end of the book, after all the battles had been fought, Christ’s bride was revealed, those who had remained faithful and emerged victorious. And, as she was revealed, a loud voice from the throne of heaven announced that our hope had become a reality. That God would dwell among his people, wiping every tear from our eyes. There would be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. Because the old order of things has passed away, and there is a new heaven and earth.
These visions were not just for those first-century churches. They are for us as well. And they should encourage us not to surrender to the pressures and temptations this world offers. But to remain faithful to the Lord who has called us so we can be victorious and see our hope become a reality.
