When You DieSample

The story of Scripture begins and ends with gardens and shalom (peace and wholeness with God, with each other, and with creation). God created the earth and had a perfect relationship with Adam and Eve before they sinned. And then, in Revelation, we see that there will be a new heaven and a new earth with perfect relationships and peace restored.

The question for us then is how we will live in this time between.

Let’s consider the words of Jesus from Matthew’s gospel:

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Ask Yourself:

-What does life look like for you in this time between the gardens? When you look around at friends, family, coworkers, classmates, etc. what does life look like for them?

-How can you cultivate more hope, more gratitude, more peace, and more love as you wait? And how can you share that with others?

Pause to Pray:

Jesus, you are my hope. You are the hope of the world. Help me share that hope, share your light and truth with the people in my circles…

Take a Next Step:

When someone complains today, how could you bring hope, life, truth, peace to the conversation?