The End of Suffering: The Promise of Revelation 21:4

"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."

- Revelation 21:4

Introduction

Do you remember the story of Lazarus, Mary and Martha’s brother? He was gravely ill, and his sisters were desperate. They sent for Jesus, their beloved friend, with the hope that He would heal Lazarus. But by the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days. Mary wept bitterly, and even Jesus, seeing her sorrow and the mourning of those around Him, wept. Death, grief, and pain are universal experiences that touch every life, even that of Jesus. But God’s plan of salvation includes putting an end to suffering and pain.

Historical and Literary Context of Revelation 21:4

The book of Revelation, often known as the Apocalypse, was written by the apostle John toward the end of the first century (around 95 A.D.). John was exiled on the island of Patmos at the time, which was a common Roman punishment for political dissidents. The circumstances surrounding the creation of this book were indeed grim, with the Roman Empire exerting severe and often brutal control over its territories, including those where Christians resided.

Revelation was written to seven churches located in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day western Turkey): Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. These churches were under severe persecution due to their refusal to participate in the emperor worship, which was regarded as treason by the Roman authorities. The believers were facing social ostracization, economic hardships, and in many cases, even death.

Revelation is an apocalyptic text, a genre that was quite popular among Jewish and early Christian writings. Apocalyptic literature is characterized by symbolic and allegorical language, which often portrays the ultimate victory of God's kingdom over the forces of evil. This type of writing provided hope and encouragement to believers under distress, assuring them of God's eventual triumph and reign.

In the specific context of Revelation 21:4, John is describing a vision of the new heaven and new earth, a time when God's full reign is realized, and He dwells among His people. This was a message of profound hope for early Christians who were undergoing severe trials and tribulations. It reassured them that their current suffering was temporary, and a time would come when God would wipe away every tear, marking the end of death, mourning, crying, and pain. This promise of a new order provided the endurance to withstand persecution and remain faithful to their belief in Christ.

Meaning of Revelation 21:4

In its entirety, Revelation 21:4 offers a profound glimpse into the coming kingdom of God, where every trace of human suffering will be eradicated. The verse is brimming with promise and hope, and each key phrase deepens our understanding of this vision.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes..."

This phrase invokes a deeply personal and intimate image. It isn't just an abstract idea of God ending suffering; it's a loving Father tenderly comforting His child. It's God Himself reaching out to each one of us, wiping away our tears, soothing our sorrow. This speaks of God's nearness, His intimate involvement in our lives, and His deep empathy for our human condition.

"There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain..."

This part of the verse provides a comprehensive sweep of human suffering – death, mourning, crying, and pain. These are experiences that all humans, across time and cultures, can relate to. The promise here is radical. It's not just a reduction in sorrow but its complete eradication. It offers a vision of a future where these afflictions no longer exist.

"...for the old order of things has passed away."

Here we see the reason for the end of sorrow - the complete passing away of the current world order. The "old order" represents life as we know it, marked by sin, brokenness, and suffering. The declaration that it has "passed away" signifies a radical transformation, a renewal of all things. It signals a break from the current world order and the inauguration of a new era under God's full and unchallenged reign. The old has gone, and the new has come – a new order characterized by wholeness, peace, and everlasting joy.

Taken together, these phrases offer a hopeful vision of a future reality under God's loving rule. They remind us that our present sufferings are temporary compared to the eternal joy and peace that await us in God's kingdom.

Application

This verse has a profound message for us today. Despite the pain and suffering we may endure in this world, we are called to live with a firm hope in God's promise of a new order. When we face loss, when we are overwhelmed with grief, or when we are in the throes of physical pain, we can look forward to this promise with a spirit of resilience.

Practically speaking, let this promise shape our interactions. When comforting those who are grieving or in pain, let us point them towards this promise. As we stand against injustices that cause suffering, let's be driven by the assurance of God’s ultimate justice. In the face of our own suffering, may we hold onto hope, knowing that our present pain is not our final reality.

Conclusion

Revelation 21:4 provides us a glimpse into God's future kingdom where sorrow, pain, and death will be no more. This promise offers us hope and courage to endure, comfort others, and combat the causes of suffering in this present world.

Prayer for the Day

Dear Lord, I thank You for the beautiful promise in Revelation 21:4. Help me to hold onto this promise when I face pain and loss. Give me the strength to comfort others in their sorrow, and the courage to stand against the causes of suffering in this world. In my moments of despair, remind me that You are close, wiping away my tears, and that a day is coming when sorrow will be no more. Amen.