“Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” – 2 Peter 3:13
Looking Forward
We are either looking forward, looking backward, or looking at our feet.
Only one sustained look makes much sense and it is the forward look. Anything else is out of balance and pointless. It distorts reality or relegates us to something static and unchangeable. Only with a future do the past and present make ultimate sense.
We are always in motion. We cannot stand completely still. We will progress or regress.
Years come; years go; time passes without mercy or hesitation.
For God’s people, the forward look has three characteristics.
First, we look forward based upon God’s promises. We do so with confidence, hope, and anticipation. We embrace the future because we believe in the God who has designed it. To look forward is an act of faith in a God we know and trust.
Second, we look forward for something new. New heavens and a new earth are actually beyond our capacity to imagine or design. They flow from the imagination of a creative God. They are outside of the box. They are unbounded and unlimited by human ingenuity.
Third, we look forward to a time of righteousness. What that means is that we believe and attest to our belief that in God’s new day, everything that is now wrong will be made right. Everything that is out of synch will be coordinated. Everything that is undone will be rewoven into the tapestry of His purposes. Everything that is broken will be mended.
God’s kingdom will come and His will shall indeed be done.
Each New Year moves us closer to that reality.
Therefore, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
These words were written as church bulletin devotional for churches who offer Master Sunday Bulletins to their congregations. May it serve as a source of encouragement to you today. You are welcome to copy this devotion for one-time non-commercial, local church, or educational use. Please include the copyright line printed below with any reproduction. © Master Sunday Bulletins 2012. All rights reserved. Published by Master Sunday Bulletins · Merri V. Dennis, Publisher · Thomas B. Sims, Author