New: New Life, New People, New Song, New CreationSample

NEW CREATION

When this world becomes too much to handle, when things are pressing in all around, and the struggle is very real, some people may think to themselves, “I can’t wait for heaven,” or “In heaven, things won't be such a mess.”

It’s understandable. After all, this world does sometimes feel like it's broken beyond repair.

But, if God is real - and he most absolutely is - nothing is broken beyond repair.

The Bible says that all creation groans because of sin. Somehow, the sin of humanity infected creation itself. But, creation “waits eagerly” for God to make things right — not just for his people but also for his entire world.

God is going to remake his creation someday and restore it to its original “very good”-ness (be sure to read Day 3 of this plan for more on that).

Some people imagine the end of time as full-blown cosmic destruction where everything crumbles into nothing or explodes into chaos.

But, the Bible says that in the end, there will be a new heaven and a new earth — a whole new creation. The old heaven and earth will disappear — not by being smashed to smithereens but by being remade and renewed.

“Look, I am making everything new!” Jesus says on the very last pages of the Bible. And then, he restates the covenant that he first gave his people and which now will last forever:

“All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.” (Revelation 21:7)

On New Year’s day (or whatever day you’re reading this), remember:

• we are offered new life
• we are made into new people
• we are given a new song
• we live in a new covenant
• and someday we will be with Jesus and his Father, face to face, alongside all his children, in his new creation.

New Year’s day comes and goes, just like everything else in this world. But newness in Christ lasts forever. So let’s all go and live new lives, every day, forever.

REFLECTION

What are some ways creation has been broken and infected by sin? What are some ways it is no longer “very good”?

How can you be part of God’s new creation now, before there is a fully new heaven and earth?

What’s one thing you’d hope to be made new in the world now?

Explore other resources from Young Life Discipleship including more Bible App reading plans.