“Stop what you are doing, take an unrushed look, transforming look. I am creating a new heaven and a new earth—not as a replacement but as a resurrection, restoration, and flourishing of my original creation. Think of a bud becoming a whole bouquet, then a garden. I want you to rejoice with all your being in what I am doing now and will bring in fullness on the perfect Day.
Old Jerusalem will shed her “skin,” and the New Jerusalem will emerge as an eternal domain of consummate happiness and beauty. Everyone who lives there will be a joy and give joy to each other. I myself will be Chief Rejoicer and will delight in you with a joy you cannot imagine. Never again will the sound of weeping and crying be heard.” (Paraphrase of Isaiah 65:17–19)
Heavenly Father, I’ve read this portion of your Word many times. I’ve preached it, prayed it, and shared it with others. But with timeliness, freshness, and sweetness—this prophecy from Isaiah gives voice to my “inward groaning and eager waiting” (Rm.8:23-25). I know I’m not alone in craving the fulfillment of all these promises.
We love the incredible “downpayment” and firstfruits of Jesus’ first coming, life, death, and resurrection. And now we are on tiptoes with joy and face-down with ache-filled hope for the fullness of his second coming (Rev.21:1-5). ASAP, please.
Personally, you know the emotional, mental, and spiritual rollercoaster I’ve been on the past 2 ½ years. And Father, you also know I never willingly get on a Ferris wheel, tilt-a-whirl, or gravity, sanity defying theme park ride. Thank you that as 2025 winds down my heaviness is lifting, I can smell the grass of the new earth again, and hoping is easier. There’s still a lot that’s not clear; but what IS clear is the Gospel and your love for me and my friends. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.
