Four Things God Renews (Part 4)
#4 Creation
I think about creation a lot when I’m at my relative’s lake house near Coldwater, Michigan. Late in the day, boaters have retired for the night and the waves have calmed down to a gentle ripple, set in motion by the cool breeze hitting the water.
As I watch the native birds taking in their evening meal before settling down for their night’s rest, I once again realize that God’s creation is beautiful, and I’m a fan.
But it’s not perfect. Not yet anyway.
Earlier today, while playing golf, I could hear a growling animal near one of the tee boxes in the middle of the course. Whatever it was, it was not happy that we came close to it’s brushy home. I wanted to hit my shot and get out of there before it bolted from the bushes!
But one day, we won’t have to worry about wild beasts. Scripture says, “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them” (Isaiah 11:6). Children won’t need stuffed animals anymore. They will be able to pet the grizzlies, hang out with the zebras and ride the leopards.
Creation will be renewed and take on a whole new look.
Like the animals, we will also be different once the sound of a trumpet ushers in eternity.
When Jesus returns, Christians will either meet him in the air or we will rise from the grave and be reunited with our spirit.
1 Corinthians 15:52 says this will all happen in the twinkling of an eye and our bodies will become imperishable. 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, “No eye has seen, no human mind conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” In other words, we can’t wrap our brains around how transformed and wonderful eternity will be, but the Bible gives us previews.
According to Revelation 21:4, God will wipe away our tears. Wouldn’t it be great to never be sad again? There will be no more death, which must mean no more sickness, no more mourning and no more pain. Cancer will be gone, heart attacks eliminated, diabetes defeated and we won’t need any more anti-aging cream. Doctors will be out of business and given a new job in eternity. We will have indestructible bodies with no return policy required.
Sign me up!
As I get older, a redeemed creation sounds better and better, and I am thankful that one day we will all experience this amazing change. I look forward to living in peace and harmony with the rest of the created beings.
After all, I’ve always wanted a pet lion.