“For behold, I create new heavens
Isaiah 65:17-18 (ESV)
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.
This world we live in has its share of problems. Earthquakes, storms, and disease cause untold suffering. And then there is the suffering and unrest that we cause for ourselves or others. Few people go through life without experiencing some level of suffering. Can anything be done to resolve all the world’s problems?
While technology has improved the quality of life in the past few centuries, it has done little to resolve the fundamental problems we face. And in some ways, it has only made them worse. While some are optimistic that the world might be transformed into a utopia, unless human nature is changed, there is little chance of it.
A New World
But there is hope. However, it will not be through our efforts. Instead, God will step in and do what only he can do. He will replace this fallen world with one that is new. A world without earthquakes and disease. And a world populated by transformed people. A people of one heart and mind, guided by love. A real utopia.
It will be a world where the past is not remembered. This does not necessarily mean that our memories will be erased. But the joy we will have will be such that the past will not be able to intrude and dampen our gladness. As Paul said in Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Who is this new creation for? It is for all those who have put their hope and trust in God: the Jews (and others) in the Old Testament who were faithful to him, and the believers in the New Testament (and beyond) who follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior. For all whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. It is indeed something to look forward to.
