2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Malachi 1:1-2:17 ESV, Revelation 21:1-27 ESV, Psalm 149:1-9 ESV, Proverbs 31:10-24 ESV
Daily Verse: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.” (Revelation 21:1 ESV)
PARERCHOMAI (3928): “To come or go, denotes “to pass away, to perish,”[1]
Pass away.
Things come, and things go. Once a coveted possession, the hand-me-down green ten-speed inherited from my brother no longer exists—the moments I had with my treasure now only memories. One day, the earth will perish, and a redeemed one will take its place.
On the day of judgment, when God separates the harvest, some will spend eternity in hell, while others enjoy the benefits of heaven. Which way they go relies on the individual’s choice during their time on earth. The mysteries of the heart to complex for me to understand.
But I do know those who believe in Jesus have the promise of a better tomorrow. The party’s just starting in heaven when life on earth passes away.
Connect spiritually.
We become connected to God’s network when we share faith in Christ with others. Even far apart, we remain connected with our brothers and sisters worldwide.
During the pastor’s sermon one Sunday, I learned his daughter had ailments. Sending a note of encouragement, I included a scripture God placed on my heart. Imagine my surprise weeks later when the pastor relayed the following story.
Praying for his daughter’s illness, the family found a scripture to lift to God and ask Him to fulfill the promise. When things appeared dim, my card came in the mail, carrying the same scripture the family chose months before, encouraging them in the storm.
Whether on earth or in heaven, we remain connected to God’s network. A new one awaits when this world passes away—one with no tears, pain, or heartache. In God, we can trust.
[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 193) Thomas Nelson
