Popular movies like The Hunger Games and Divergent explore what the world might be like on the other side of the apocalypse. These gritty movies try to imagine how those who have suffered through a cosmic catastrophe could pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives.
The Jews faced a similar problem when they returned from captivity: The temple was in ruins. The young people shouted for joy when they laid the foundation of the new temple, while the older priests wept for what had been destroyed (Ezra 3:12). That pile of rubble over there? That used to be the wall of Solomon’s temple. I tell you, it was something!
The young people couldn’t fully appreciate these stories. They’re a lot like us. We may not realize it, but we’re living on the other side of an apocalypse. This world is broken in ways we can scarcely imagine. Because this is the only world we’ve known, we’re used to it. We rejoice when God answers prayer, as we should. But if Adam and Eve visited our celebration, they’d temper our joy. They would have a long memory—long enough to remember how good this world once was, and to realize how far it had fallen in a relatively short time. So will it ever be like it was?
Yes, because we have God’s word. He promised the discouraged Jews that He would return to live in Jerusalem. The streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls at play. “All this may seem impossible to you now, a small remnant of God’s people. But is it impossible for me?” (Zechariah 8:3-6). Faithful Jews still wait for that day. So do we. As much as we enjoy this broken world, we know we haven’t seen anything yet. God is faithful and He will restore what has been broken! (Ezra 3:11).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 6:1-18
More:
Read Revelation 21:5 and consider what Jesus said He will do one day!
Next:
What aspect of your life has been ruined by sin and left you discouraged? What promise from God can you claim today?
Gary Shultz on July 1, 2015 at 6:14 am
I certainly have my areas of regret and that could be a devastating chain to drag. Jesus has broken that chain and as the new song (Faultless) says He wrapped us in righteousness. The bad is behind and when I look back I am staggered by the love of Christ for me. Will I continue to sin, you bet, will the love of Christ allow me the same forgiveness, to be sure. Now every direction I look I see the love of Christ moving me toward Him and the old grows dim. Thanks
Mike Wittmer on July 1, 2015 at 8:01 am
Amen. I like what Pastor Tim Keller says. We are worse than we think and more loved than we ever dared to hope. Hallelujah!
Tom Felten on July 1, 2015 at 8:18 am
Mike, I heard a recording of my deceased father sharing a story yesterday. How good it was to hear his voice again! What a foretaste of the time we’ll be with our heavenly Father, enjoying fellowship with Him on a restored earth. Can’t wait!
angelinatan25 on July 1, 2015 at 8:33 am
Regarding this article on ‘Unfair’, I have something to share/ testify of ‘my journey with GOD ABOVE’, resulting with these reminders/ guide to pull me through in times of need, trials, adversities, sickness….
I now confess GOD ABOVE Is my all – HE IS IN AND WITH ME IN ALL THINGS, TIMES AND PLACE.
HE IS MY GUARDIAN, TEACHER, COUNSELLOR, ADVISOR, DOCTOR, COMFORTER AND MANY MORE – HE IS LIMITLESS IN ALL WAYS THAT IS TO SAY, ‘OMNIPRESENT, OMNIPOTENT AND OMNISCIENT.
I know HIS PRESENCE, be HE in/with me.
But, I can’t show HIM to others – HE IS ABSTRACT YET EXISTING, just as JESUS SAYS, “If you cannot love your brother, how can you love and know GOD?”
GOD IS NEVER UNFAIR: HE HAS NO FAVORATISM, HE IS IMPARTIAL.
IN EVERYTHING HE BLESS US WITH, THERE IS A VALID REASON BEHIND IT.
GOD WANT US – EVERONE – TO KNOW HIM especially the gentiles.
HE SENT DOWN HIS ONLY SON, JESUS, TO the gentiles and to those as mentioned in ‘The Beautitudes” – they would experienced and perhaps know GOD’S PRESENCE which is a ‘GIFT OF LIFE’ to the so-called less unfortunates AND not the rich, mighty….
This is mentioned in the paragraph, “The rich, young man” whom JESUS told him that ‘he has all, there is no more need’, but then he has a need, perhaps ‘a void’ within he can’t understand – that’s why he wanted to follow JESUS, only to be disappointed a he cannot part with his wealth to follow JESUS.
There is a reason untold, but it has to be so….
GOD IS FAIR – ‘unspoken’ blessings to gentile believers and those who seek, search and thirst for HIM,
and blessings of wealth and others perhaps to the rich….
For the unfortunates, remember this reminder: “THERE IS ALWAYS BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE”, SO LONG WE ARE IN TUNE WITH HIM IN PRAYER AND IN TRUTH.
ALSO REMEMBERING JESUS IS “THE WAY”, “THE LIFE” AND “THE TRUTH” WITH GOD AND HIS WORD.
barnabasfwam on July 1, 2015 at 3:35 pm
I am encouraged by this piece. The knowledge that God restores us back to His original creation design excites me. I know that I will once again be in the image and likeness of God-only if I allow Him reign in my heart. Thank you.
Ruth O'reilly-smith on July 4, 2015 at 4:33 am
Our young children remind me that we live in a broken world Mike. They regularly ask why people suffer and bad things happen. Although true, resigning ourselves to life in this broken world can leave us numb to the pain and suffering around us. It’s good to remember that our world wasn’t always broken, and it won’t always be like this – let us hope for a better ‘tomorrow’, one where “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever” Revelation 21:4.