The theme for today’s novena is HOPE IN GOD’S FUTURE RESTORATION
The New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21:1-5)
Reading: Revelation Chp 21 vs 1-5
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth disappeared, and the sea vanished. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared and ready, like a bride dressed to meet her husband. I heard a loud voice speaking from the throne, ”Now God’s home is with mankind! He will live with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them and he will be their God. He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared.” Then the one who sits on the throne said, “And now I make all things new!”. He also said to me,” Write this, because these words are true and can be trusted.”
Reflections: The opening verse paints a picture of radical renewal. The sea in biblical literature often represents chaos, the unknown and the dwelling place of evil. Its disappearance signifies a world where these negative forces are finally eradicated. The old creation, marred by sin and its consequences, is not simply patched up but entirely replaced with something pristine and perfect. It offers hope that no matter how broken things may seem now, God has the ultimate power to make them whole and beautiful again. God’s restoration includes bringing his people into perfect harmony with himself and with each other. The separation caused by sin is finally and completely overcome. It is a hope for an end to isolation, division and broken relationships. God’s restoration includes the complete removal of all sorrow and the triumph over death itself. God’s own declaration —-”And now I make all things new”, promises a guaranteed future in his love, and his plan for humanity culminates in a future of unimaginable joy and unbroken fellowship with him.
Let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us look beyond our present difficult circumstances and anchor our hope in the restoration and glorious future that God has promised.
