The first part of the passage speaks of the presence of God with his people. The phrase "God's dwelling is with people" is a powerful reminder that God desires to be in relationship with us. He is not a distant or disinterested deity, but a God who desires to be intimately involved in our lives. The promise that he will dwell with us and be our God is a beautiful expression of his love and care for us.
The second part of the passage speaks of the transformation that takes place in the presence of God. The promise that he will wipe away every tear from our eyes speaks to the deep healing and restoration that takes place when we are in the presence of God. It suggests that the pain and suffering that we experience in this life will be completely wiped away, and that we will experience a deep and abiding sense of peace and joy in the presence of God.
The promise that death will be no more is particularly powerful. Death is one of the greatest fears and sources of pain in human experience, and the promise that it will be completely overcome is a testament to God's power and love. The fact that there will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore suggests that our experience in the presence of God will be one of pure joy and happiness.
The final phrase, "the first things have passed away," is a powerful reminder that the old order of things will be completely done away with in the presence of God. The pain, suffering, and death that are part of our current experience will be replaced by something new and beautiful, something that we cannot fully comprehend in our current state.
Overall, Revelation 21:3-4 is a beautiful expression of the hope and promise of eternal life with God. It reminds us that God desires to be in relationship with us and that in his presence, we will experience deep healing and restoration. It promises an end to death, mourning, crying, and pain, and suggests that our experience in the presence of God will be one of pure joy and happiness. The passage speaks to the deep longing in our hearts for a better world, and reminds us that in God's presence, that world is not only possible, but is a reality that we can look forward to with hope and confidence.
Revelation 21:3-4. I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with people, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away from them every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away.”