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Anticipating the New Creation

AdventClimate Justice and Creation Care Week 3 · Day 7

Scripture References

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Old Testament

Isaiah 65:17-25

¹⁷ “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be remembered, nor come into mind.
¹⁸ But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for, behold, I create Jerusalem to be a delight, and her people a joy.
¹⁹ I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; and the voice of weeping and the voice of crying will be heard in her no more.

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²⁰ “No more will there be an infant who only lives a few days, nor an old man who has not filled his days; for the child will die one hundred years old, and the sinner being one hundred years old will be accursed.
²¹ They will build houses and inhabit them. They will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
²² They will not build and another inhabit. They will not plant and another eat; for the days of my people will be like the days of a tree, and my chosen will long enjoy the work of their hands.
²³ They will not labour in vain nor give birth for calamity; for they are the offspring of the LORD’s blessed and their descendants with them.
²⁴ It will happen that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
²⁵ The wolf and the lamb will feed together. The lion will eat straw like the ox. Dust will be the serpent’s food. They will not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain,” says the LORD.

New Testament

2 Peter 3:13

¹³ But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

Thought for the Day

Isaiah speaks of new heavens and a new earth, with joy in Jerusalem and peace in the streets. The picture is not escapist. It is earthy: houses built, vineyards enjoyed, children safe, long life, reconciled creatures. God’s future is not disembodied; it is healed.

That means Christian hope is never passive. If we are waiting for a world where righteousness dwells, then we are called to live in holiness and godliness now: with truthfulness, restraint, and neighbour-love. We are not asked to save the world by our strength, but to live faithfully within it.

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Peter gives that hope a steadier frame. The Lord is not slow, even when years feel long; with him a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like a day. His delay is patience. He is not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. And yet the day of the Lord will come, exposing what is flimsy, burning away what cannot last.

So pray for courage to persevere in care, even when progress feels slow. Pray for those suffering climate-related injustice today. Ask for leaders who can hold urgency without cruelty, and for a public life willing to repent. And lift your eyes: the Lord who promises renewal is patient and just. He will not abandon his world. Let that promise soften your fear and strengthen your love.

Prayer Points

Respond

Lord, keep us from despair; anchor us in your promise of new creation where righteousness dwells.
Have mercy on those suffering climate-related injustice now; bring protection, provision, and repair.
Give wisdom and courage to leaders making long-term decisions; keep them from short-sightedness and cynicism.

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Form the Church in patient hope that produces faithful action, not panic or denial.
Teach me to live in the light of your promised renewal, loving your world with steady care.

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