By David Faust
Do you know anyone who is sick and tired of being sick and tired? Do you ever feel that way yourself? Do your prayers ever echo this old gospel song: “Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, help me stand. I am tired, I am weak, I am worn”?
Long ago, a worship leader was feeling exhausted and exasperated. Life’s injustices had worn him down. Wicked, arrogant people were prospering. The worship leader complained, “They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills” (Psalm 73:4-5). By contrast, those trying to do the right things were encountering all kinds of problems.
A fellow known for his blameless character and reverence for God suffered catastrophic financial losses. A sudden windstorm killed his sons and daughters, and his body was afflicted with a painful skin disease. What had he done to deserve such agony? He cried out sadly, “My spirit is broken, my days are cut short, the grave awaits me” (Job 17:1).
Sick of It
Can you relate to those weary individuals and their frustrated feelings? I can.
Week after week, I hear about the death of yet another friend. I have known faithful Christians who died in sudden tragedies (fires, car accidents, plane crashes, murders, heart attacks) or succumbed to slow, agonizing bouts with cancer, dementia, and other debilitating diseases. I’m sick of seeing loved ones slip into the grip of death.
In my congregation on Sunday morning, I look into the faces of widows and widowers who trust in the resurrected Christ and appreciate the Holy Spirit’s comfort, but they miss their loved ones dearly. On this side of heaven, grief remains all too real.
I have friends and family members whose once-strong feet and legs no longer hold them up, whose backs are stiff with arthritis, and who live in constant pain.
Saved from It
The last two chapters of the Bible, Revelation 21 and 22, provide much-needed relief and a lofty vision of what lies ahead. Revelation 21:4 mentions harsh realities that will be “no more” in the new heaven and new earth the Lord is preparing.
“No more death.” Heaven will contain many mansions—but no mortuaries. Death will be a thing of the past.
“No more mourning or crying.” There will be no more long, sad goodbyes or sudden separations from loved ones. No more regrets over words said or unsaid. And no tissues needed. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
“No more pain.” No drugs will be required to ease our aches and afflictions. Our new resurrected bodies will be powerful and imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:42-43). Crushing depression, isolating loneliness, and debilitating pain will disappear in the glorious light of God’s presence.
Sin’s devastating effects have plagued this fallen world ever since the Garden of Eden, but “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13). In the new heaven and earth, “No longer will there be any curse” (Revelation 22:3).
Another gospel song assures all of us who are sick and tired, “Some glad morning when this life is o’er, I’ll fly away.” And in that home on God’s celestial shore, pain and frustration will be no more.
Personal Challenge:
What excites you most about the new heaven and earth God is preparing for his people? What puzzles you most about it? How does your future hope affect your day-to-day life?
To be with King Jesus and to be reunited with family and friends…for all eternity…what a Homecoming it will be…I think Heaven will be here, a new Heaven and Earth will come down….what will it look like? I don’t know exactly but it will be glorious. No more pain, no more sickness, no more death! Jesus is preparing Heaven for us…I want family, friends and neighbors to come with me. Sharing the hope of the Gospel everyday…Praise the LORD!