April 14, 2020 – Isaiah 65:17-18

“For behold, I create new heavens 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.” Isaiah 65:17-18.

There is no end to the wonder and glory of God’s creation.    He reaches out to us in many ways.  We often quote Jeremiah 29:11. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.   This was near the end of the 70 years exiled in Babylon.   What is verse 13? You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 

Add to that how we find God. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  John 13:34-35.  One evening, my husband and I celebrated our anniversary. In astonishment, I looked around the restaurant at the people,  realizing God created us all,  young, old,  rich and poor. He loves us all.  He creates Peace and Joy.

Our Lord God does not tear down.  He builds up.  He is The Creator. His enemy is sin and its destruction. Through His Love, we learn to be strong in His Love. We love because He first loved us. I John 4:19.

I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people; no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping and the cry of distress. The wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,” says the Lord. Isaiah 65:19, 25.