Read: Romans 8:18-27
The creation was subjected to futility. (v. 20)
What is the last thing that broke at your house? Maybe it was a favorite vase. Maybe the chain on your bike broke or your phone screen cracked. It is disappointing when something breaks, but there is joy in restoration—when you find a replacement vase in the consignment shop, or when you are able to fix the bike chain or phone.
As we think about the Bible’s promise of a new earth we might wonder why we need a new earth. The apostle Paul tells us why in Romans 8 when he writes that creation itself is broken and in need of renewal. “The creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (vv. 20-21).
We see the evidence of creation subjected to futility in everything from the weeds in our gardens to natural disasters. But when Jesus comes back again and ushers in the new earth creation will be set free and will share in the freedom of the glory of the children of God. No more wildfires. No more destructive storms. No more weeds. No more pollution. We will enjoy the wonders of this earth without the corruption that resulted from humanity’s sin and rebellion against God. That’s the new earth. That’s our promised land!
As you pray, give thanks for the wonders of creation now and for God’s future re-creation of the earth.
Rich Bawinkel is a retired pastor who has served churches in the Reformed Church in America and the Kingdom Network. He is married to Anne and serves as a musician in their local church, as the administrator of the Kingdom Network, and on the Words of Hope Board of Directors.
