Revelation 21:1-4 – Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘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.”
“…for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away…” As previously discussed (7/13/18) the new comes and the old passes away.
“…and there was no longer any sea…” Many people wonder over this. Especially people like us who live in California and treasure living by the sea. Surfers especially. It is where we go to admire the beauty of God’s creation and to just relax. It seems very disappointing to many of us, especially those who like to surf, that there would be no sea. Yet we must remember that Revelations uses a lot symbolism. We must consider the general mindset of the people about sea at the time this was written. To these people, the sea was considered a place of danger, known and unknown. Also the sea was a symbol of constant change and turmoil (James 1:6). It is also a source of evil where the beast comes out of (Revelation 13:1). Evil men also are compared to it (Jude 1:13, Isaiah 57:20). So while they are blessed by the seas (Fish to eat) they are also bewildered and frightened by it. Also the sea could be symbolic of something that separates (as continents). So to the Christian who lived at the time of the writing of Revelation, that a sea is not in the new world would bring comfort as God has eliminated unknown dangers, the evil and the evil men who were in the old world, uncertainties about life and concerns for safety, and the separation of God from men. Concerning this verse, we ought to, as always, trust God. We need not be concerned whether or not we will be absolutely in love with it. Besides, it is a much better address to have than the alternative!
“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” Along with a new heaven and earth there is a new Jerusalem. It is a pure city that is coming directly from God. It is a gift from God. It is, as a bride is, meticulously prepared. It will be a place of joy and celebration. It is a place for God and His people. The city, as the Bride of Christ is, has been made new (2 Corinthians 5:17). The city is pure and in that way is infinitely and eternally superior to the previous earthly one. Just as the Holy Spirit has been within us, making us new because of the saving work of Jesus, our Savior, so God has “prepared” the New Jerusalem. At this point, we will enter into a fresh, new, wondrous city, prepared to live and serve our God forever. The eternal joy and rest has been consummated. Praise God!
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” In this wondrous city we shall forever live with God. We will see Him as we are seen by Him. We will live with those who love God and whose lives have born witness to the love of God within them. Family, we will be with God. Peace and joy are the only things we will know. Praise God! God visibly with us and us with Him. Our imagination cannot conceive all the beauty, wonder and peace of soul that God has awaiting us (1 Corinthians 2:9).
“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.” No more tears, no more death, no more mourning, nor more crying and no more pain. God has already declared that our sins will no longer be remembered (Hebrews 8:12, Isaiah 43:25) so we shall not know remorse. Family, the beauty, the peace, the wonder and the excitement that will be ours. How we forever live is beyond our imagination and, praise God that it is. We should daily stir up and be overjoyed at what is coming. It is coming soon. All troubles gone. Extra strong smile muscles. Laughter. Joy. Loving everyone and everyone loving us right back. Getting along…wow…getting along! It is what God has prepared for us. Living in the very presence of God. Wow! Just wow! Praise God! Yes, let’s praise God for what is our absolute and certain destiny! Praise God! He is indeed, so very, very good! Praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.