Here is a thought for the new year: Our Lord is continuing this world and reserving it for the day of judgment. That is a much more positive thought than it may seem. God is preserving His world as we read in Genesis 8:22. He promises, "Seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease." We live in a world traumatized by constant claims of crises, wars, and rumors of wars, global climactic cataclysms, and fears of epidemics. But God has promised to preserve the world for a reason. Season upon season will still arrive under His providential care. For the Day of the Lord will come and we should count the patience of our Lord as salvation. When He comes, this world will be judged and destroyed. As well, all things will be made new in that day. The world was destroyed by water in judgment the first time, and then God gave the promise of the seasons. And He set His rainbow in the heavens as a sign that He would never destroy the earth by flood again. When Jesus returns, the earth and the heavens will be burned with fire. So this world goes on preserved for judgment and salvation. Knowing this, our lives should be marked by the pursuit of holiness and godliness as we wait and work toward the coming of the Day of God. We are waiting for a new heaven and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. So, let us grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And let us live for His glory now with a view to the day of eternity. New Years brings hope, as we are busily waiting serving our Lord through the passing of the seasons watching for His glorious return. |
