Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Integrity of Whole Creation in Christ

  Bible portion:  Isaiah 65:17-25

Verse: V17 “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.”

Devotion
In today’s passage, through the prophet Isaiah, God is speaking to His people who once had a way of life that is now lost and they long to have it once again. Isaiah shares with the inhabitants of Jerusalem a joyous message of hope and redemption. Such things come only through Jesus Christ in whom we place our faith and hope.
Jesus Christ is remaking the world, and He has begun with anyone who would believe in Him. Let’s look at the three promises of renewal in the book of Isaiah and see how Jesus has fulfilled them for those who trust in Him.
Renewed Joy: His commandment was to love one another, even our enemies; to pray for those that hurt us and work towards justice and righteousness being done on earth as it is in heaven. Jesus promised us if we keep this commandment, we abide in His love. This is the fullness of joy- to know I am loved by God. 
Renewed Life: The next promise is made in Isaiah 65:20 is renewed life, and it is long life. The miraculous resurrection of Jesus and the physical healing that gets done in His name is a sign to reassure all those who repent of their sin and believe in Him will have eternal life.
Renewed Purpose: Jesus promises that our faith with Him connects us with God the Father, and when we live in that union, the work He gives us is fruitful and the fruit will last. Love for others creates lasting fruit. Loving others requires sacrifice, time, energy, grace, forgiveness and acts of kindness. But it always bears eternal fruit that can be passed on to the following generations. 
God wants us to live in faith with integrity. All the faithful will inherit the new Jerusalem. God will raise the dead, renew all believers and provide new heavens and earth, infused with divine glory in every aspect. In the new heavens and the new earth, whatever God grants us to remember of this world will only serve to deepen our joy, the joy of worshiping Christ.
 
                                                 Prayer
 O Lord, give us a fresh, new vision of faith and hope

Thought for the Day
 Are we prepared to inherit the new heavens and a new earth?

Samuel K. Samuel
St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, New York

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