It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. Heb. 2:5

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Rev. 21:5

Heavenly Father, thank you for the heart-liberating and hope-fueling truth of these passages. There is “a world to come” which will transform this broken world. The Garden of Eden was just a preview of coming attractions. Providence, not happenstance, rules. Beauty, not brokenness, will prevail.

As your sons and daughters, you created us to know you intimately and fill the earth with your glory. But things went terribly awry. We spurned your love and wrote a different story for ourselves. Instead of wanting to make your name great, we wanted to make a name for ourselves. Instead of living as your beloved servants in the world, we became broken slaves to the world. But, thankfully, the story didn’t end there.

Your name is Redeemer and Restorer—a God who is rich in mercy and abounding in grace. You sent Jesus to be our substitute and Savior, our perfect righteousness and our perpetual Advocate, our reigning King and returning Lord. When He does return, the earth will be filled with the knowledge of your glory, evil eradicated and your every-nation family gathered. We. Cannot. Wait.

Indeed, things are not as they appear to the natural eye. You are in absolute control, and you love us more than we can possibly imagine. We’re not waiting for “pie in the sky,” but for Jesus on the earth—who is presently making all things new. Faith not fear; bold mission, not navel-gazing; generosity, not hoarding; kingdom living, not fretful pining, are the orders of the day.

Father, thank you for making us characters in and carriers of your great Story of healing and renewal. We are in Christ, on mission, and grace-enveloped. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ triumphant and trustworthy name.

Scotty Smith is the founding pastor of Christ Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee.