Sermon 18th May 2025 - 5th Sunday after Easter
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Revelation 21:1-6 – All things new
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.
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