ESOCS Devotional 11 January 2026 – The End of Sorrow
MEMORY VERSE: “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 21:4 NIV
TEXT: REVELATION 21:15-21
And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. 16 The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. 17 Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. 18 The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
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This promise comes after a vivid description of God making “all things new” (Rev. 21:5). It acknowledges the very real pain and loss experienced in this life – mourning, crying, and physical suffering. Yet God’s heart is deeply compassionate. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” He is not distant from our grief but intimately involved in comforting us.
Death is the ultimate enemy brought into the world through sin (Rom. 5:12). But God promises its defeat. In 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, Paul celebrates, “Death has been swallowed up in victory… Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” Revelation 21:4 assures us that death and pain will be no more in the eternal kingdom.
God’s wiping away tears symbolizes tender care and complete restoration. Isaiah 25:8 also proclaims, “He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces.” This restoration is not just physical but emotional and spiritual, a perfect peace where sorrow is replaced by joy. Jesus Himself promised in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” This peace is ultimate and eternal, found only in God’s presence.
Though sorrow and pain exist now, Revelation 21:4 calls us to live in hopeful anticipation of God’s promise. Romans 8:18 reminds us, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” This hope sustains believers amid trials, encouraging us to persevere.
Reflections
- What sorrow or pain do you need to surrender to God today?
- How does the promise of Revelation 21:4 encourage you in difficult times?
- In what ways can you share this hope with someone who is hurting?
Prayer
- Lord, thank you for the promise that one day you will wipe away every tear. Help me hold on to this hope when I face sorrow and pain. Remind me that you are near to the broken-hearted and that you have overcome death. Strengthen my faith, as I look forward to the day when sorrow will be no more. Amen.
Further Reading: Isaiah 5:8-23; Daniel 7:15-27; Matthew 25:1-13
ESOCS Devotional 11 January 2026
