Revelation 21:1-6 (NRSV)
Read Revelation 21:1-6 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 21Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. Verse 2And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Verse 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; Verse 4he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away." Verse 5And the one who was seated on the throne said, "See, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true." Verse 6Then he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.
Devotion
Today's reading foresees the completed newness of God's inclusive community. God will dwell in community with all God's people and creation! Our God, who is the beginning and the end, is also "the not yet" and "the now."
Death, sorrow, pain, and thirst continue; they are part of the old that has not yet passed away. Nevertheless, God is with us in the now. Where do we find God's newness dwelling now? Do we find God's newness in our faith communities? We might find God's newness in businesses, schools, clubs, agencies, or parks. We could also find God's newness dwelling in encampments with people experiencing homelessness or in cultures very different from our own.
Have you searched for God's newness? You may be surprised where you find God dwelling. Start your GPS—God's Position Search—and join the newness of the inclusive, loving community you find!
Prayer
Alpha and Omega, we await a time that is not yet when you end all sorrow, pain, and need. Help us find you now as you dwell in the newness of inclusive community. Amen.