Revelation 21:1-6a (NRSV)
Read Revelation 21:1-6a 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
The first glance at two people deeply in love on their wedding day takes the breath away. Dressed in their finest, presenting themselves to each other in a covenant of faithfulness and promise, it is a moment of joy and excitement. The preview God gives us of eternal life in Revelation 21 captures the exhilaration of a wedding day. It is a new beginning. God is making a home for the beloved, and they will dwell together forever. The old things have passed away, so there are no signs of anxiety or loneliness anymore. The old tears are wiped away, so there is only the amazing joy that brings two together in love. "See, I am making all things new," says our God. "It is trustworthy and true."
Prayer
Gracious God, your glance toward me has always been filled with love. Fill me with your Spirit so that my longing eyes may show you my love in return. Make me new for our life together. Amen.