“He will wipe every tear from their eyes.” [Revelation 21:4]

Jesus spoke of His return as a source of great comfort for His disciples. The night before the cross, in an upper room where they had just celebrated Passover, Jesus told them: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1-3).

Notice how definitive Christ is. “I will come back.” With His disciples struggling at the news of His departure, Jesus offered comfort with this promise: He will return to take His people to His Father’s house. For people wrestling with anxiety and fear in this present world, thoughts of that eternal home can offer great hope. Here’s how that new home is described: “God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 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 21:3-4).

Jesus’ return will provide God’s perfect presence, sin’s consequences resolved, and comfort for all who hurt and grieve because the source of those pains has been made right.

Bill Crowder, Our Daily Bread author

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