Marie’s daily verse: Isaiah 43:18: 

Do not remember the former things nor consider the things of old.

DAILY DEVOTION, January 1, 2024

I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.  (Revelation 21:1)

I mentioned Sunday that in 1950 I was 14 years old. For some reason, I wondered if I would be alive in 2000. I would be an old man, 64 years old! Well, I made it to the year 2000 and am still kicking in the year 2024. God is good.

John anticipates something better than a new year. He sees a new heaven and a new earth. He catches a glimpse of what God has planned for the future. This old world as we know it is marked for destruction. A new earth is coming. I guess that is what we call “heaven.” Part of the newness will be that sin, evil, disease, and death will be banished forever. It will be what Milton called “Paradise Restored” in his 1671 poem.

This present life is good, especially for those who trust in Jesus and know a better day is coming. It will not be a new year but a new world. I can’t imagine the details of what this new world will be like, but I hope to find out. The admission price is simple. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). But is it true? If you have a better plan, let me know!

Father, I cannot even imagine what the new heaven and earth will be like. I know it will be glorious beyond my ability to comprehend. Thank You, Jesus, for opening the door to heaven for me. Amen.