Community Devotions

All Things New

SCRIPTURE

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” - Revelation 21:5

OBSERVATION

The idea of “new” is probably the major theme of Revelation chapter 21. There is to be a new: heaven (v.1); earth (v.1); Jerusalem (v.2); all things (v.5). In fact, Jesus reiterates that he is making all things new and asks John to write it down because the fact that he is making all things new is a trustworthy and true statement. This new earth is a place where God himself will dwell with his people and a place where there is no death, mourning, crying and pain. The new Jerusalem is made of precious stones and jewels where there is no temple because God himself is the temple providing light to the nations. In God’s case, newer is definitely better! 

APPLICATION

Reading the all things that Jesus is making new has given me a new hunger and vision of heaven. I am anticipating the day where God himself will dwell with us and among us. I am looking forward to the day where there is no crying, mourning, pain or death. Also, I am realizing that the “new” work that God created started with him making a new humanity i.e. “new creation" with those in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). God categorically made a new heart in me. A new heart with a new desire and appetite that wants to please him, know him, love him and serve him. In Christ, God created a new mind. A mind of Christ to think of things that are noble, pure, true, lovely. Am I walking in the newness of my new self in Christ? Admittedly, I was a lot more looking forward to Thursday night football last night as I was getting up this morning to do my devotions. I was more excited to sit on my couch to watch grown men run around and throw a leather ball back and forth than to sit at the feet of God himself in worship. As I’m writing this, I’m beginning to realize that I’ve definitely fed my old self more than my new self.  This morning is a renewal to my first love to live in my new heart and my new mind.

PRAYER

Father God,

Thank you for speaking to me this morning and renewing my fervor for you. Please forgive me for not walking in my new mind in you. I repent for not thinking with the mind of Christ in my situations. Would you please give me grace and strengthen me to walk in the new life with you? I love you. Maranatha!

Counter Culture Love

SCRIPTURE

Ezekiel 34:4, "You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally."

OBSERVATION

Andy Stanley asserts that the prevailing culture at the time of the Old Testament and New Testament was that lives were not valuable and a concept of taking care of the helpless and children in need was foreign and disdained upon.  In this culture, God demands that the Israelites do take care of the weak, heal the sick, and recover the lost.  Considering the Chaldean culture who had nearly wiped out Judah and Israel as well as all the surrounding nations, God’s commands of compassion for one another and caring for others clearly would have distinguish the Israelites from others.

With this condemnation, God is passing judgment on the Israelites for being just like those around them, living the life of self indulgence, leveraging might to be right rather than God’s truth and not having compassion on those around them.  So we know that loving one another is a God’s command and not some pious saying that had always existed.  As Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” [John 13:34-35]  So what marks us as Christians is our act of love for one another – putting others before my needs and desires; putting others ahead of me in priority; serving others in order that they would be strengthened, healed and found.

APPLICATION

Help someone in need today, wherever he may be found.  Tell him, “Jesus loves you”.

PRAYER

Father God, I praise you for being a compassionate God who redeemed us by your only Son.  Father, pour out your Holy Spirit in us so that we will be able to do something for others today, in your name – to bring honor and glory to you.  Bless and protect Michael, Joshua and Daniel today.  Grant them wisdom in all decisions they will make and may their hearts to be aligned to you.  Bless Christine today as she prepares for travel. Sustain Grandpa.  I love you LORD.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.