Message Minute (Heaven Comes Down)

"I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God."  Revelation 21:2

Most people assume the end goal is escaping Earth to float around in heaven. But notice the direction in Revelation: heaven comes DOWN to Earth. Not us going up to heaven. This flips everything we've been taught.

When Jesus talked about the future with His disciples, He used a fascinating word: palingenesia, which literally means "genesis again" or "new creation." Jesus isn't planning to destroy Earth and replace it with something different. He's planning to restore Earth—to return it to how He originally designed it before sin corrupted everything.

Think of it like buying a beautiful old house that's been neglected. You have two options: tear it down and build something modern or restore it to its original glory using materials that will never fade or rot. Which option honors the original builder? God never gives up on what He creates. He doesn't scrap His creation; He redeems it.

This changes everything. Your love for family isn't wasted. Your work matters. The relationships you're building, the beauty you're creating, the justice you're fighting for, none of it is in vain. Jesus came to restore, not replace. The dwelling place of God will be with humanity on a renewed Earth.

Reflection: How does knowing God plans to restore Earth rather than replace it change how you view your daily life and work?

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for coming to restore rather than replace. Help me live today knowing that my work, relationships, and creativity matter eternally. Give me vision for Your renewal project. Amen.