Revelation Chapter 21is a powerful passage that speaks of God’s promise to renew all things. We live in a world filled with brokenness, pain, and uncertainty. But in in our reading today from Revelation, God gives us a vision of hope—a promise that He is making all things new through Jesus Christ. This promise of renewal reminds us that no matter how dark the present may seem, God is preparing a future of restoration and renewal. We heard similar a couple weeks ago in our Psalm – weeping may last for the night but joy comes in the morning.
John sees a new heaven and a new earth, for the old has passed away. This is not a replacement but a total transformation—a renewal of creation itself. It speaks to the hope that God is not abandoning His creation but redeeming it. Renewal and transformation has been the theme of the resurrection. The renewal of Peter as an apostle after his 3 denials of Jesus. The transformation of the murderous Pharisee Saul to become St Paul -the Apostle to the Gentiles. And, as we hear in acts, a total reversal of the unclean prohibitions to declaring everything clean before God.
In our lives, we sometimes look for a fresh start amidst all the heaviness of life. Many look forward to retirement only to find it provides no relief and in fact many say they have never been busier. This passage reassures us that God is a God of renewal. He takes what is broken and makes it whole again. John describes the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. This is a beautiful imagery that speaks of intimacy and beauty—God dwelling with His people in perfect communion. As we hear from Jesus speaking about husbands and wives becoming one flesh.
This imagery is not merely about a physical change; it represents a total renewal of all creation. The old order, characterized by sin, suffering, and separation from God, has passed away. The old earth—a place riddled with pain, injustice, and sorrow is now a fresh, vibrant creation where God reigns supreme. It reveals a God who desires to be close to us. He is not distant or indifferent but actively working to bring us into His presence. He longs to be with us.
We are invited to live in relationship with Him, experiencing His perfect love and grace. John hears the voice from the throne that declares that God will dwell with His people. This is the fulfillment of His promise throughout scripture—to be Emmanuel, “God with us.” No matter what we face, we are never alone. God is with us in our struggles, our joys, and our uncertainties. His presence is our greatest comfort. God promises to wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. This is the ultimate hope for believers—that suffering will not have the final word. It never did, even though in the midst of suffering it was hard to see a way out.
When we endure hardship, we can hold onto this promise. God sees our pain, and He assures us that one day, all sorrow will be replaced with joy. In this renewed creation, God will eradicate pain, mourning, and death. What a promise for our weary hearts! We live in a world where sorrow is a daily companion; we live with loss, grief, and heartache. Yet here in Revelation, we find assurance that God’s ultimate plan does not include suffering. Weeping lasts for the night but joy comes in the morning. God declares that He is making all things new. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He was there at the beginning in our Baptism. And he will be there when he calls us home. His plan for redemption was complete on Easter Sunday, and He offers the water of life freely to all who thirst.
This is the culmination of God’s plan for us from the garden of Eden, where He walked with Adam and Eve, to the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Jesus words from the Cross – It is finished – are repeated here “It is done.” The fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan is at hand. God declares Himself as the “Alpha and Omega,” the Beginning and the End. All things find their origin in Him and will ultimately conclude in Him.
Throughout the history of creation God has sought to dwell among us. When Israel wanted to build a temple God was so sad because it would make him stationary. Previously he had been happy travelling around with the Israelites from place to place in a tent. God’s renewal is not just for the future—it begins now. He is transforming hearts, restoring lives, and calling us to trust in His promise. This is a message of hope and renewal.
In the new heaven and new earth, there will be perfect communion with God. Every wall of hostility that separated us will be removed. Each person who has ever felt the sting of loneliness or abandonment will experience the profound embrace of God.
There will be no more barriers, no more division—only relationship and community within the divine presence. As we see with Peter visiting a Gentile and his household receiving the Holy Spirit which challenged his companions who previously had believe that God was a God only of the Jews. It reminds us that God is faithful, that He is with us, and that He is preparing a future where all things will be made new. Let us live with confidence in His promises, knowing that His love and restoration are at work even now.
