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Author: Dominic Perrem, from The Community of Nazareth in Dublin, Ireland.

In the book of Revelation, it says, “Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)

It is tempting to think that we could be free from tears and woes right now. What if science was improved and we discover a way to extend life? What if youth and health could go on forever and what if bodily satisfaction could always be within our grasp? What if we could escape the death that comes to all of us and find the perfect dwelling place? As much as we may want this, it is only in Christ that all things can be made new. 

He was determined to overcome death itself and destroy sin. Not to punish us, but to take on himself that suffering, and to show us the promise of that place that we all want. We have to admit that we want to be free. Who can take us to the land of freedom? All of the freedoms that we seek can never last here on earth, but Jesus promises us that in the next life there will be no mourning or crying or pain. Think about the saddest things that have happened to you—cruel things, lonely moments, sad losses, aching failures—and think about a garden where they will be no more. This is the place Jesus wanted to take us to in his suffering. Put your faith in his conquering of your suffering today. He will wipe away your tears and he suffers alongside you. He promises you new life and you can trust him to fulfil his promises!

Scripture quotations are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.