"I saw a new heaven and a new earth,...and the sea was no more" (Revelation 21:1).
For a long time, the sea has symbolized death and all that terrifies us. From boaters and sailors who know the deadly power of the wind and waves, to children who swim in fear of what lurks in a lake beyond what they can see, deep water represents a deadly power and the grave.
But St. John talks about the new heavens and the new earth that will be revealed at Jesus' return: there will be no more frightening and unknown sea! No more death or anything that causes us fear or pain. Why? Because Jesus has descended to the depths of death for us! He was swallowed up in the seas of our sin, and in turn He swallowed up death forever. Now He has risen from the depths to give us abundant life without end.
Jesus, the Church's husband, is forever with His Church (true believers) to comfort her and wipe away every tear from her eyes. The dark, frightening sea is gone, and now we drink from the gentle fountain of the water of life that Jesus gives.
As we live in a world that is swamped in anger, hate, and all sorts of insane unrighteousness, St. John reminds us that Jesus has rescued us with His suffering, holy blood, and crucifixion. He became sin for us. Now He adorns the believer in the beautiful robe of His righteousness.
Yes, we must put up with this vile world while we live here. The good news is that believers are in the world, but not of it. Jesus has saved us from it. Such deadly craziness will pass away. So we trust in Jesus' promise, "Behold, I am making all things new" (Rev. 21:5).
May He keep our faith strong in the promise of His new creation!
-Dale
