Between natural disasters leveling wide swaths of crops and inflation dramatically skyrocketing prices, even subsistence foods like rice or beans have been pushed almost out of reach for many in developing economies. In response to the estimated one million North Koreans who starved to death in the late 1990s, government researchers have been working to develop a noodle that “delays the feelings of hunger.”

We all hope these measures alleviate suffering. It’s not good, however, when the best we can do is mitigate a bit of hunger’s twinge.

The apostle John gave us hope with his vision of the final good end toward which all of creation points: the day when God’s people will live in God’s new city. In this city, humans will live and flourish as God has always intended for us to live and flourish. In this new city, every parched village has hope because the water of life flows “down the center of the main street” (Revelation 22:2). In this new city, every famine-stricken nation will rejoice because the Eden tree of life will appear again and yield “a fresh crop [of fruit] each month” (v.2).

Beyond the bountiful water and year-round feast, the tree will offer the remedy for every evil that has ever afflicted human society, every abusive system of power, every corner of addiction or war or selfishness. There will be healing for ravaged tribes, starving regions, affluent-yet-broken suburbs. “The leaves,” John recounted, will provide “medicine to heal the nations” (v.2).

Our world may seem to be tipping toward hell. But the hope of the gospel is reflected in these words: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever” (Revelation 21:4).