Isaiah 65:17-21 - For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness. I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people; no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping and the cry of distress. No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not fill out his days, for the young man shall die a hundred years old, and the sinner a hundred years old shall be accursed. They shall build houses and inhabit them;

In Isaiah 65:17-21, God promises a glorious future for His people - a new heaven and a new earth. This passage speaks of a time when all the pain, sorrow, and brokenness of this world will be no more. God declares that He will create a new Jerusalem that will be filled with joy and gladness. There will be no more weeping or distress heard in the city. Infants will no longer die young, and people will live out their full days. Even someone who dies at a hundred years old will be considered young. In this new world that God creates, people will build houses and inhabit them, and they shall plant and eat the fruit of their own labor. It will be a time of great blessing, prosperity and long life for God's people. This passage points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, when He will make all things new. The apostle John echoes this theme in Revelation 21:1-5, describing a new heaven and new earth where God will dwell with His people and wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, sorrow, crying or pain. God will make all things new. As believers, we have this glorious hope of new life and complete restoration in Christ. Though we presently live in a fallen world filled with brokenness, sorrow and death, we know that this is not the end of the story. In Jesus, the old passes away and the new comes (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are born again to a living hope and look forward to the day when God will redeem and restore all of creation. On that day, we will experience life as God intended it, in perfect, unbroken fellowship with Him forever. What a marvelous hope we have!

The promise of new life in Christ is truly good news for a world that is groaning under the weight of sin and brokenness. Everywhere we look, we see evidence that things are not as they should be. Sickness, pain, broken relationships, injustice, and ultimately death, are constant reminders that we live in a fallen world. The suffering and sorrow we experience can often feel overwhelming and lead us to despair. Yet, in the midst of this darkness, the gospel shines as a beacon of hope. Through faith in Jesus, we are born again to a new life and become new creations in Christ. Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16). God is at work in us, conforming us to the image of His Son. And though we presently groan inwardly as we wait for the redemption of our bodies, we wait with hope, knowing that God will bring His good work in us to completion (Philippians 1:6). The new life we have in Christ is not just a future hope, but a present reality. We have been raised with Christ and are seated with Him in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6). Sin's power over us has been broken and we have been set free to live for God. The Holy Spirit lives in us, empowering us to put to death the deeds of the flesh and to walk in newness of life. As we abide in Christ, we bear much fruit and experience the abundant life that Jesus came to give (John 10:10). Yet, the fullness of this new life is still to come. We live in the "already but not yet" of God's kingdom. The decisive victory has been won through Christ's death and resurrection, but we still await the final consummation when Jesus returns and makes all things new. On that day, we will be raised imperishable, the perishable will put on the imperishable, and death will be swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:53-54). So as we walk through the trials and sorrows of this life, let us fix our eyes on Jesus and the glorious future that awaits us. Let us not lose heart or give in to despair, but be renewed in the hope of the gospel. And let us give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor in Him is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). For the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18). Praise God for the indescribable gift of new life in Christ!

Heavenly Father, We praise You for the glorious promise of new life in Christ. Though we presently live in a world that is broken and filled with sorrow, we rejoice in the hope of the gospel. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for our sins and for raising Him from the dead, securing our victory over sin and death. Thank You for making us new creations in Christ and giving us the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. Forgive us for the times we have given in to despair or have lost sight of the hope we have in You. Renew our minds and strengthen our hearts with the truth of Your Word. Help us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. We pray for those who are suffering and experiencing sorrow right now. Comfort them with Your presence and remind them of the glorious future that awaits in Christ. Give them strength to persevere and fill them with Your joy and peace. Thank You that even in the midst of trials, we can experience the abundant life that Jesus came to give. Empower us by Your Spirit to walk in newness of life and to bear much fruit for Your glory. We long for the day when Jesus will return and make all things new. Hasten that day, Lord! But while we wait, help us to live as faithful witnesses to the hope that we have. Use us to bring the good news of new life in Christ to those who are lost and perishing. We give You all the glory and praise, for You alone are worthy. In Jesus' name, Amen.