“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.” Rev. 21:4–5
Dear Jesus, I’ve never longed for the day of “no more death” more so than today. It’s a source of immeasurable comfort to know this promise is trustworthy and true, for your death was the death of death. You are sitting on your throne, and we are standing in your grace. Hallelujah!
Indeed, Jesus, you are making all things new. Your resurrection is the guarantee and firstfruits of a whole new order—the New Creation. Decay and death, in every form, will be gone forever. Bring on that Day, Lord.
No more picking out of caskets for loved ones, or compost piles of yesterday’s bouquets. No more death of innocence, or life-robbing pandemics. No more burying unrealized dreams, or salty tears from “putting down” a beloved pet. No more environmental disasters; homicide, by guns or words, or even social distancing.
So as you wipe our tears, Jesus, fuel our hope and focus our gaze. Death is defeated but not yet annihilated. Decay will be no more, but not yet. Send us forth as your people, Jesus, into the valley of the shadow of death with a glimpse of the first sunrise in the new heaven and new earth.
Jesus, you will make the written saying fabulously true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Cor. 15:54–55 NIV). You are the grave robber, Jesus. Our labors in you are not in vain. So very Amen we pray, in your exalted and compassionate name.
