Revelation 21:1-4: “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.’” [NLT]
That, beloved, is our future, the future of all those who claim salvation by the blood of Jesus God’s Son. That is what lies ahead for us.
Gas prices may continue to rise. People may lose their jobs. Food prices may continue to climb. It may get hard to stay even. We may even lose ground. Tribulation may be the buzzword of the next decade. Those things are fearful to contemplate.
We love our three children and their spouses and our grandchildren and greats. When I look at them, I am anxious at times; anxious that this world is not going to be a very pleasant place for them.
If I keep my eye on the things I hear on the news, my anxiety can easily turn to fear. Instead, I must look past that great word tribulation to the words I see in Revelation 21 – A new heaven and a new earth, God dwelling with us, no more death or mourning or crying or pain.
I must see that new order God has promised and know that while the old order might claim today, it cannot claim forever.