Revelation 21:4 NKJV Context
The apostle John wrote the book of Revelation after having a vision on the island of Patmos, where he had been exiled due to his Christian beliefs and ministry.
In his vision, he hears declarations from the throne of God. One of the declarations is this verse, which may be the most encouraging in all of Scripture.
Revelation 21:4 NKJV Meaning
There’s so much pain in this world. People suffer from diseases, hunger, physical and emotional abuse, accidents, injustice, persecution, war, and all kinds of natural disasters.
It’s easy to wonder how God could let it all happen. But God is not the creator of any of it.
It all entered the world when Satan tempted mankind to sin in Genesis chapter 3. The rest of the Bible is the story of God’s work to redeem us from our sins and put an end to all pain and suffering.
He reached out to Abraham to create a nation that would follow him and bless all the other nations. He brought them out of slavery in Egypt.
He blessed them when they followed him, and he corrected them when they strayed from him again and again. Finally, he sent his Son to die for our sins and give us eternal life.
Sin is the source of all our pain, and Jesus died to forgive our sins. In heaven, sin will be no more, so pain will be no more. Suffering will be no more. Death will be no more.
Revelation 21:4 NKJV Application
In difficult times, there are many things we can turn to for help: Counseling, medication, exercise, eating healthier, physical therapy, and support groups can all improve our well-being.
But none of these solutions lasts forever. Our God is the only one who declares the end of crying, sorrow, and death. Imagine, one day all your tears will be gone.
There will be no more suffering of any kind—no more death, no more disease, no more pain.
May it encourage you today to know that no matter what difficulty you’re struggling with, it will end. God will be victorious. He will wipe every tear from your eyes.
“[F]rom the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. . . .”