Romans 8:22-25 (NIV)

22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Revelation 21:1-5 (NIV)

1Then 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. 2I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 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.”

5He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Reflection

Every part of creation is eagerly waiting and anticipating Heaven’s Premiere Event. There is a groaning and longing for this old creation, marked by so much pain and death, to pass and be replaced with the new creation, where the suffering is permanently a thing of the past. It sounds crazy, but in this time that everything is waiting, we have become the ‘trailer’ to the main event. We have become the sneak preview of what it will be like as our lives have been touched and redeemed. At the same time we ain’t seen nothing yet!

Responding to the Transmission

Our lives being touched by God are a sure sign that the final day when everything will be new is really coming. We are just a small preview of the awesome arrival of a new heaven and new earth. But as we experience heaven realities now, let’s pray that we would make all the more effort to pull back heaven here on earth by living a Spirit-filled life. May we continue to be shaped by the Spirit in the ways of Christ…heaven’s ways on earth.