Out Of Order
Something is terribly wrong. Things are out of order. The world is in chaos. But not for long!
As I wrote in a previous blog, I am thoroughly enjoying the book "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn. It has completely changed my perspective on eternity and the future state of the believers. I have come to a greater revelation that this future state is however, not only for believers. Well, let me rephrase that, it's not only for humans that believe. But a closer look at the Word of God teaches that it is all of creation that fell when sin entered the world, not just humans.
Everything is completely out of order. Nothing is as it should be. Life for not only us, but also for the animals, the plant life, the atmosphere, the galaxies, even the entire universe, since the fall of man, can be likened to fitting a square peg into a round hole. While it can be done, it often just takes too much effort and never feels quite right.
Often when we think of "creation" our thoughts are immediately drawn to thoughts of people. While God is most definitely the creator of people, He is also the creator of all things. Everything. Things we can see and things we cannot see.
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
All of creation cries out with an invisible cry, longing to be returned to the state in which they were designed to dwell. You can see this in the sad eyes of a puppy dog, or the squinted gaze of a cat perched in a window, longing for that which once was. You hear in the loud cracks of thunder that rumble the earth or fierce waves of the sea as they crash violently against a barrier wall. You can also see it by the fact that entire species of plants become extinct, extreme changes in weather patterns, or perhaps as a fallen star shoots across the sky. Everything is completely out of order.
Paul speaks in detail of this:
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children,including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)it.
You see, people, or believer's, are not the only ones that are groaning. Nor are we the only thing that is going to be redeemed. All of creation is. Notice these passages say "the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children ". It also says, "creation has been groaning......And we believers also groan" We are not the only ones suffering as a result of the curse. All of creation is. But not for long!
Here's the Good News!
And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
and......
Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Thank you Jesus!
The redemptive work of Christ goes way, way beyond the salvation of our souls. It extends to the renewal of all things. We shall live and move and breath on a brand new earth. And even greater than that is the fact that the new heaven itself will come and join itself with us and we shall live forever in the very presence of God.
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
So my friends, take heart. You may have been starting to feel as though life has passed you by. Maybe physically or emotionally you are growing weary and you feel like your best opportunities are behind you. Perhaps dreams you once knew have crumbled, you marriage has fallen apart, or you have lost all hope.
I encourage you today to set your sights on eternity. Life on this current earth is but for a moment. While this world we live in can be filled with evil, deceit, and decay, the earth itself and all of creation was never intended to be that way. The great news is that we get to enjoy forever the wonderful experience of a brand new life on a brand new earth in brand new bodies and in the very presence of a God that will never ever change. Isn't that awesome news?
It get's greater later!
That's all I can share for today and besides this blog is growing too long already. The heart cannot absorb what the attention span cannot endure. Let me leave you with the following quote which I borrowed from Randy's book:
I once scorned ev'ry fearful thought of death,
When it was but the end of pulse and breath,
But now my eyes have seen that past the pain
There is a world that's waiting to be claimed.
Earthmaker, Holy, let me now depart,
For living's such a temporary art.
And dying is but getting dressed for God,
Our graves are merely doorways cut in sod.
-Calvin Miller
When it was but the end of pulse and breath,
But now my eyes have seen that past the pain
There is a world that's waiting to be claimed.
Earthmaker, Holy, let me now depart,
For living's such a temporary art.
And dying is but getting dressed for God,
Our graves are merely doorways cut in sod.
-Calvin Miller
I love you brothers and sisters,
Michael
Spread the Word!
1 comments:
Beautiful manifestation of true spirituality and beliefs. The verses are truly inspiring it caught me listing those. thanks for sharing you faith abundance.
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