“new heaven, new earth”

I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.  And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7;13-14)

I can’t help but smile as I read this old testament glimpse of a reigning and ruling Jesus here in Daniel’s vision.  It is very exciting to think about the Son of Man, who so sacrificially humbled himself becoming human and being crucified, now being raised up and receiving the glory due him – all dominion!  It is also comforting in an uncertain and evil world to be reminded of Jesus’ everlasting rule.  FINALLY, a good, a perfectly good ruler with a kingdom that can not be destroyed.  I can’t wait!

A friend of ours, who often finds politics frustrating (like many of us), has started saying “new heaven, new earth” in those instances.  We laugh with him because we know he is partially joking, but also feel the weight of it in ourselves –  a desire for real justice, righteousness, & peace to prevail.  Don’t you feel it too?  Scripture elsewhere talks about this desire, burden even.

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.  And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:22)

We know that the world is broken and we feel the weight of that daily, but as believers we also know that it won’t always be that way.  As we head to Easter this week let’s be encouraged by the thought of the reigning and ruling Jesus to come!


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