What’s Ahead?
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 65:17-25
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. . . . They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain.”
Isaiah 65 gives us a sneak preview of what’s ahead. In the closing part of this chapter the prophet tells us what’s in store for creation and for all who look forward to the Lord’s coming again. We get a glimpse of what that will be like.
There will be no more hardships or struggles in our life on the earth. Instead of poverty and hunger, there will be plenty for everyone. Instead of violence, there will be peace. “The sound of weeping and crying will be heard no more.”
Instead of suffering the effects of aging, we will enjoy youthful energy. Instead of having others enjoy the fruits of our labors, we will be able to enjoy them and share them.
In the Lord’s kingdom of peace, everyone will be blessed. Even animals will not fight or kill; “the wolf and the lamb will feed together, the lion will eat straw like the ox. . . . They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain.”
Someday, perhaps sooner than we think, the Lord Jesus will return on the clouds of heaven. And on that day, according to Philippians 2:10-11, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess “that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Pray that that day may come soon!
Lord Jesus, come quickly to bring about your new creation, where there will be no more tears, no more crying, and no more pain. In your name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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