Have you ever wondered what it would look like to welcome God home to an earth restored, transformed and made new? Have you ever thought about what it would take to transform our earth into a home that is fitting not just for humanity but for God?
Yes I know that God is present in all places and at all times, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that God finds all places and all times a comfortable place to reside.
This has been the focus of my contemplation over this earth day weekend. I have blogged about this before but stirred by Earth Day, I find it always returns to my attention at this time of the year.
Saturday was a glorious day here in Seattle with the sun shining brightly and warmly, burning away the lethargy and dullness that the last month of rain and cold has nurtured in me. As the sun warmed me, my thoughts kept returning to images of God’s new world. Beauty, peace, justice and compassion would surround us. Laughter, dancing, singing, playfulness and joy would be everywhere. Generosity, love, and unity amongst all people. Creation would be renewed and wholeness would flourish.
Is it possible? The imagery of the end of time we see in Revelation is of heaven coming down to earth, of earth restore and made new. Maybe total transformation is not possible in this present age but at least we can work for glimpses of it in anticipation of the day when Christ returns and all is indeed made new.
Revelation 21:1-5 The Voice (VOICE)
I looked again and could hardly believe my eyes. Everything above me was new. Everything below me was new. Everything around me was new because the heaven and earth that had been passed away, and the sea was gone, completely. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride on her wedding day, adorned for her husband and for His eyes only. 3 And I heard a great voice, coming from the throne.
A Voice: See, the home of God is with His people.
He will live among them;
They will be His people,
And God Himself will be with them.
4 The prophecies are fulfilled:
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
Mourning no more, crying no more, pain no more,
For the first things have gone away.5 And the One who sat on the throne announced to His creation,
The One: See, I am making all things new. (turning to me) Write what you hear and see, for these words are faithful and true.
What is Your Response?
As we celebrate EARTH WEEK, this week, spend time contemplating your images of what our earth could look like if it was once more a fitting home for God. God’s presence is already with us always, but to make this earth a home for God we need to put all our efforts in to transforming – not just our physical environment, but our relationships and our inner selves.
Take out your journal and write CREATE A FIT PLACE FOR GOD TO DWELL in large letters.
Prayerfully contemplate your statement.
Decorate the letters, in whatever ways your creativity inspires you.
Make a list of “the perfect home for God“. Maybe you want to watch a couple of those popular home renovation programs to inspire you first.
How is God prompting you to respond? What could you do to make this world a more inviting place for God to dwell?