Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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A New Heaven, A New Joy   

Bible Reading: :   Isaiah 65 : 17-25 

Key verse:  

Isaiah 65:17-18 “See, I will create new heaven and new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind . But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be delight and its people a joy “  (New Living Translation)  

DEVOTION

The Book of Isaiah Chapter 65 is considered one of the profound chapters in the Prophetic Book of Isaiah. The Chapter contains the theme of divine judgement, restoration and renewal.  As we read through the book of Isaiah, we see this chapter as the intersection of rebellion among God’s people and the hope of the renewed world. Additionally, this chapter explores God’s relationship with his people and how despite all their rebellion and disobedience, God offers His People hope, peace and harmony in the new world. 
As we focus on the selected portion for today, we start with verse 17, The prophetic vision of the new creation. This vision is filled with hope and perhaps the most transformative promise in this chapter. God’s redemptive plan for mankind, is the complete renewal of heaven and earth. The next verse 18 is God’s creation of the new Jerusalem.  This new Jerusalem is place of perpetual joy, peace and fellowship with God.  New Jerusalem describes a world where suffering, sorrow and injustice will be completely eradicated.  New Jerusalem promises new world marked by longevity, security and prosperity.  People who live in New Jerusalem will enjoy the fruits of their labor stretching across prolonged period of economic justice and stability.  The restoration for people who live in New Jerusalem encompasses social, spiritual and physical reformation.  The final verse 25 in this chapter, returns to peace and harmony that God envisioned in the Garden of Eden.  Predators (wolf in this case) living peacefully with the prey (lamb in this case) exemplifies profound transformation in the natural order that exists in the world today.  Violence, enmity that we see in our present world will not exist and there will be blanket of peace and harmony in the new world. 
As we look once again over verses 17-25 in this chapter, we need to make a brief introspection and look at our existing spiritual condition. We need to examine ourselves on where we stand today in our obedience and faithfulness to God.  As we see the promise of new heaven and new earth, this should not only inspire us but also give us deep understanding of the transformative power of God ‘s grace and the ultimate renewal of the new creation ahead for us, completely free from suffering, sorrow and pain. As much as we see how God addresses the rebellion and wickedness of mankind with impending judgement. God promises to save the remnant and bring joy, peace and blessings to God’s children who choose to live in harmony with God, in the new Jerusalem.

PRAYER

Almighty and Gracious Lord, full of Justice and Mercy. As much as we know there is impending judgement, we also know there is hope in the New Jerusalem that offers to us an opportunity to be in eternal harmony with God, this we pray in Jesus Precious Name – AMEN.

Thought for the DAY

The New Jerusalem is the Expansion, Expression of the Processed and Consummated Triune God with His Chosen, Redeemed, Regenerated, Sanctified, Renewed, Transformed, Confirmed and Glorified People - Witness Lee ( 1905-1997)


Abraham Kurien, Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston, Texas.

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