The Best Is Yet to Come . . . and It’s Already Here! – November 3, 2025
Read: Revelation 21:1-6
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! 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 21:1-6 (selected verses)
The Best Is Yet to Come . . . and It’s Already Here!
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have you ever looked forward to something super exciting, but it didn’t turn out like you hoped? Maybe you waited all week for your birthday party, but it rained, the bounce house got wet, and you had to bring the party inside. Or maybe you saved up for a toy that broke on the first day. Bummer, right? That’s what the world feels like sometimes—lots of disappointment.
That’s why the vision God gave John in Revelation is so amazing. John saw heaven and what life there is like: “[God] will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Rev 21:4). Can you imagine? No one ever gets sick. No one ever cries themselves to sleep. No one ever says goodbye. That’s where those who have died believing in Jesus, “saints,” are now! Safe and happy with Jesus.
Revelation tells us even more: John saw a brand-new heaven and earth, where God makes his home with people. He heard a loud voice say, “I am making everything new!” (Rev 21:5). No brokenness remains—God himself promises, “It is done!” (Rev 21:6).
But here’s the good news for us: God’s promises aren’t just for “someday.” Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is within you” (Luke 17:21). That means because Jesus forgives us, we are saints right now, living with Jesus’ presence in our lives. When we are baptized, God promises us forgiveness, hope, and his Spirit. Those blessings give us strength every day while we wait for the joy of heaven.
Think about it this way: earth can feel like a balloon that keeps popping. Heaven is like a balloon that never runs out of air. And the best part? Jesus already hands you that balloon right now by filling your heart with his Spirit.
So, what do we do? When life is disappointing—when you lose a game, when friends leave you out, when sadness feels heavy—remember that Jesus has already given you hope. And when you share that hope with others, you’re helping them glimpse the joy of heaven too.
The saints in heaven are celebrating with Jesus. We saints on earth get to celebrate too—because the best is yet to come, and the best is already ours in Christ!
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for the hope we have in you. Help us remember that even when things go wrong or make us sad, you are with us. Thank you for promising a new heaven and a new earth, and for filling our hearts with your Spirit today. Teach us to share your joy and hope with others. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Can you think of a time when something didn’t go the way you hoped? How did it make you feel?
- How does it make you feel to know Jesus is with you even when things go wrong?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Revelation 21:4 says God will wipe every tear from our eyes. What do you think that will be like?
- How can remembering Jesus’ promises help you when life is disappointing?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- John saw a brand-new heaven and earth where God says, “It is done!” How does that change the way you view sadness and loss today?
- How can you share the hope of heaven with friends or family who are struggling or sad?
