“For look, I am ready to create new heavens and a new earth! The former ones will not be remembered; no one will think about them anymore. 18 But be happy and rejoice forevermore over what I am about to create! For look, I am ready to create Jerusalem to be a source of joy, and her people to be a source of happiness. 19 Jerusalem will bring me joy, and my people will bring me happiness. The sound of weeping or cries of sorrow will never be heard in her again.”
Isaiah 65:17-19 NET
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. . . 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:1,2 and 4 NIV
God our creator,
Isaiah would have sounded way out to the people of His time. They would probably concentrate of the actual Jerusalem their centre of worship and whose Temple had seen better times. For those of us who know Your Son, reading and believing in a new heaven and a new earth still needs a leap of faith. We can trust You because we have met Jesus who promised that he had gone to prepare the place for us (John 14:1-3). We are living and learning that He keeps His promises.
The writer to the Romans talks about all of creation groaning and suffering and waiting for redemption. We see the pain of our earth today, earthquakes, landslides, droughts, floods. Even those who do not believe can see something is wrong. You will make earth and heaven new as if there had been no sin. One day we will live where there is no evil, no tears, no death no mourning. We will be able to love each other as Jesus loves us. Today we see the challenges of life but we need to keep an eye on our final wonderful destination.
Thank You that You are eternal and Jesus gives us an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading (1 Peter 1:4).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Father of creation,
We pray You will create and speak answers to our prayers into being for those we seek help for. Those who need a healing touch or simply to know all will be well and find peace. We pray that those we know who need employment or are starting new jobs will find fulfilment and reward. We pray that those who need direction will find Your guidance and those weary will find rest.
Ukraine, Lord we cannot cease asking for You to break into this conflict with a way to peace and righteousness. We pray too for all refugees who simply want to live free from terror and prejudice and domination. Bring freedom to their nations so they need not flee. For those stuck in camps we pray solutions beyond just confinement or sending back. For those living in fear we pray Your hand of protection and deliverance.
Thank you for all we have and rely on for comfortable, safe and supported living. The good things in life, not the riches, which we often take for granted.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 8th January 2023
Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you washed in the blood?
In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless, are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb;
There’s a fountain flowing for the soul unclean,
Oh, be washed in the blood of the Lamb!
Some glad morning when this life is over
I’ll fly away
To a home on God’s celestial shore
I’ll fly away
I’ll fly away, oh, Glory, I’ll fly away
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by
I’ll fly away
Just a few more weary days and then
I’ll fly away
To a land where joy shall never end
I’ll fly away
1 Lyrics: Elisha Hoffman (1878)
2 Lyrics: Albert E. Brumley (1929)