For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight. I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress. No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed. They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain, or bear children for calamity; for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord— and their descendants as well. Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox; but the serpent—its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord. - Isaiah 65:17-25
The early snow this past week brought about an interesting sight - freshly fallen leaves from trees - in some cases still green - resting on top of the snow. Mother Nature got her order a little backward. But she'll figure it out! This time of year, our ecosystem is entering into rest - plants are dormant, the ground is cool, animals are in their dens, and the blanket of winter brings rest. We await the promise of spring.
I love that time of year when fresh green shoots break through the decayed remains of the past and life is renewed. But I need to be patient. All things in due time. First, rest.
The Bible promises that God is bringing renewal to the cosmos - not just through seasonal cycles, but through a creative act - “new heavens and a new earth.” The promise is that it will be such a joy and delight that the former things “shall not be remembered.” Our world is plagued by struggle. It’s hard to know why bad things happen. But I believe, even in the midst of struggle, that God is indeed at work bringing light to the darkness and renewed life to the weary. That's why Christians the world over, every Sunday, pray, "your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven." We can be patient. All things in God’s time.
