January 27
Anticipate God’s New Creation
Isaiah 65:17-25
KEY VERSE: Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former
things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.
-- Isaiah 65:17
After years of captivity in Babylon, the ancient Jews questioned the wisdom
of returning home to Judah. It would be a hard trip. They had grown accustomed
to living in a foreign land. Perhaps it would be best not to go back home.
Isaiah was looking ahead and saw the need for a vision for the people of
God. He knew they would need to have hope that God had the power to make all
things new. So wisely he encouraged the people to anticipate a wonderful future
that would be made possible for their great God who could create "new
heavens and a new earth."
God gives to his people the marvelous gift of anticipation. We learn not to
grow weary in doing good because our God promises that, in due season, we will
reap a bountiful harvest. Faithfulness will be rewarded by our God. Though we
will surely suffer in this world, we are journeying toward a home where there
will be no pain and no tears.
These deteriorating earthly bodies will be replaced with new bodies. Our new
spiritual bodies will not have creaking, aching bones. The old and useless will
give way to the new and lasting.
Years ago I knew and loved Joe Hamilton. As he struggled with age and
illness, one leg was removed, and then the other. I shared his misery and the
frustration of being so helpless and unable to walk. As a young pastor I began
to realize how precious to believers is God’s promise of a new body, in a new
home, where the agony of earth will be replaced with the ecstasy of heaven.
Now, as an older man, my anticipation grows for that precious land that is
fairer than day. It cheers me to imagine that perhaps Joe will be at the door,
standing on his new legs, saying with a smile, "Welcome home."