Renewal of the Promise Keeper’s Love (9/17/26)

James turns 14 on Saturday and is looking forward to his birthday—a day of fun filled with family celebrations, presents, and words of encouragement. Children often count down the days until their birthday, looking forward with excitement to a day of pleasure. We can have even greater anticipation for Jesus’s return, when we will be fully healed, provided for, satisfied, and free from all worries. However, the wicked will experience the opposite—pain and destruction.   

Malachi 4:1-3          “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the Lord Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. ² But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. ³ Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty.

This prophecy sounds very similar to several we studied in our journey through Revelation. A fiery torment will come for Satan, the beast, the false prophet, and all those who don’t follow Jesus.

Revelation 20:15    Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

In contrast, a glorious dwelling with God will come for those whose names are written in the book of life.

Revelation 21:2-4   I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

All physical, emotional, and psychological pain will be completely healed on that day! What a glorious day that will be when all things are renewed!

As you and I yearn for renewal in this life, we can take encouragement in knowing one day we will experience complete and total renewal.  In addition, as we anticipate and look forward to small pleasures in this life, we can think about all the marvelous pleasures awaiting us in heaven. They will be far greater than any birthday joy! 

Alice