The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

A NEW EARTH

Job’s universe seemed broken beyond repair, and he must have longed for a fresh start, a complete fix or even an all-new earth. The longing for a new earth is actually a good longing to have, and a longing that all followers of Jesus should experience. God created the earth (Ac 14:15), but the earth has been cursed because of humanity’s rebellion, beginning with Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden. Jesus died to reconcile not only people, but the very world back to himself (Col 1:20). Followers of Jesus have now been given the ministry of spreading that reconciliation (2Co 5:11 – 21). God’s people are his ambassadors on this earth, and God is making his appeal through them for the world to be reconciled with the Creator. Christians personally participate by fighting sin, pursuing holiness, doing their jobs in a distinctly Christian way, and most importantly, telling people the good news about what God has done. A day is coming when the new heavens and new earth will descend from heaven and God will live with his people forever (Rev 21:1 – 5). Life is not about going “up” to heaven as much as it is about heaven coming “down” to earth. Jesus already came as a glimpse of what it will be like when his people live with him forever.

Jesus, help me to be a good ambassador. Help me to fight sin, pursue holiness and spread the awesome news of your amazing love. Amen.