Revelation 21:1-5 “New Heavens and a New Earth”
As we begin a new year, this passage helps us remember who is in charge, who is making all things new. Change and newness can bring anxiety for us at any age, and this passage from Revelation brings comfort in the midst of change. The passage comes after long descriptions of turmoil, and it reminds us that God has an endgame, one that brings God’s very real presence, God’s justice, God’s peace. This new kingdom is coming, and it is now. When changes in life come, have these words, “See, I am making all things new,” written on your heart.
Read It
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them;
4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.”
5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
“See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them;
4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.”
5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Memorize It
Short: “See, I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5b)
Medium: “See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them;
4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.” (Revelation 21: 3-4)
Long: Whole passage!
Medium: “See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them;
4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.” (Revelation 21: 3-4)
Long: Whole passage!
Do It
Ages 0-2:
Find pictures of newness - new babies (animal and human), buds coming up from the ground, even things like old pallets recycled into works of art. Point to them and say together, “God says, ‘See, I am making all things new!’” Let this language continue in daily life - say it when you are in the store and spot a baby, or when your child creates something, when you work on a project together. This will help your child recognize newness as a gift from God, as a sign of God at work.
Ages 3 and up:
Raid your recycling (textiles, metal, plastic, cardboard…) to find “trash.” Create something with it - a sculpture, a robot, a city, a skyscraper, instruments, a seed starter (using old egg cartons). You may want to also use some paint to bring it together. Just like we can use things we would otherwise throw away to create something new, so can God take a seemingly impossible situation and bring newness from it.
Find pictures of newness - new babies (animal and human), buds coming up from the ground, even things like old pallets recycled into works of art. Point to them and say together, “God says, ‘See, I am making all things new!’” Let this language continue in daily life - say it when you are in the store and spot a baby, or when your child creates something, when you work on a project together. This will help your child recognize newness as a gift from God, as a sign of God at work.
Ages 3 and up:
Raid your recycling (textiles, metal, plastic, cardboard…) to find “trash.” Create something with it - a sculpture, a robot, a city, a skyscraper, instruments, a seed starter (using old egg cartons). You may want to also use some paint to bring it together. Just like we can use things we would otherwise throw away to create something new, so can God take a seemingly impossible situation and bring newness from it.
Sing It
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“New World Coming” (Bryan Moyer Suderman)
“New Earth, Heavens New” (Harris J Loewen) |
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Pray It
When change and uncertainty worry us, we know you are close by, walking with us. You are making all things new. Thank you. Help us trust in you. Amen.
