No More

“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. He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then He said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” - Revelation 21:4-5

What if you could snap your fingers and change one thing in the world? Would you do it? I am sure most of us would. Maybe you would stop violent crime, or cancer, poverty, or abortion. Perhaps some would stop war, child abuse, drug use, or animal cruelty. Whatever our religious beliefs or political affiliations, race or income level, we can all agree that there is a lot wrong with our world. In fact, sometimes, it seems like a pretty terrible place.

How did the world go so wrong? This is a question that many people wrestle with. Those who don’t believe in God often cite these atrocities as proof that a loving God cannot possibly exist. If He did, how could He sit back and let this happen? Those who believe in the God of the Bible often struggle with understanding why an all-powerful God allows such suffering to continue. Either way, you look at the world, it’s a hard question to answer.

It is impossible to answer these questions in one conversation, sermon, article, or interview. What I can say, however, is that God is big enough to handle your questions, confusion, and even outrage. You see no one is more brokenhearted over the effects of sin on our world than the One who created it. No one is more concerned over sin’s consequences on people – especially innocent people – than the One who lovingly created those people.

There is a kind, loving, reigning Lord who will one day right every wrong. Every injustice will be made just. Every hurt will be healed. Every tear will be dried. Even the earth itself will be made new and whole. Revelation 21:4 promises there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain because Jesus is making all things new. I love how the Jesus Storybook Bible for children puts it:

“And the King says, ‘Look! God and His children are together again. No more running away. Or hiding. No more crying or being lonely or afraid. No more being sick or dying. Because all those things are gone. Yes, they’re gone forever. Everything sad has come untrue. And see – I have wiped away every tear from every eye!’ And then a deep, beautiful voice that sounded like thunder in the sky says, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’

Father, Thank You for making me new by the blood of Your Son, Jesus. Please help me to see Your grace, and to offer it to others who need You. In Jesus’ name, amen.