Today's passage is a glimpse into part of what was revealed to John of the age to come in heaven. This passage shows how God as the Bridegroom welcomes in His bride--the new Jerusalem, the Church. This prophesy echos what Isaiah foretold centuries earlier, in Isaiah 25:6-9. God will complete His restorative work, completely removing that which is fallen and making new all that which He originally called good, that there will be only goodness again. This tender, intimate healing process is one we see glimpses of even now. What a beautiful picture of our loving God. May the word of God comfort and encourage you with "strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow" (Chisholm).

Revelation 21:4

4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ How does God, personified as the archetypal bridegroom, greet His bride, the Church?

+ What does God remove?

+ While God will do this completely in the life to come, How dose He do this even now?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Sin is the delta we have fallen away from the goodness God originally created. Where is there evidence of sin in your own life (disorder, selfishness, fear, etc.)? Confess these sins, and be healed.

+ God's mission is one of restoring goodness (forgiveness, grace, love, justice, etc.). How can you join with God and collaborate in His mission, as He has instructed us to do?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?