TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 13:1-8
David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God. - 1 Chronicles 13:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Did you know the Ark of the Covenant might be located in Ethiopia? No, this is no Hollywood movie script. Many Ethiopian Jews and Christians believe they are descended from Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, and that the Ark is now in a chapel in Aksum, guarded 24 hours a day. Scholars have not been permitted to study the relic and so have been unable to judge the claim. Even so, Ethiopians believe that when the temple is rebuilt during the end times, they will return the Ark as a gift (as described in Isa. 18).

David understood the importance of the Ark of the Covenant. Having made Israel militarily more secure, he turned his attention to putting the nation back on a sound spiritual foundation. His first priority was to recover the Ark and bring it to his new capital city of Jerusalem. At that time, the Ark had been in Kiriath Jearim for about a century. The Philistines had captured it in battle, but after plagues struck their cities they had returned it on a new oxcart to Kiriath Jearim, where it had remained (see 1 Sam. 4-6).

The Ark was important because it symbolized God's presence with His people (see Ex. 25:10-22). The “atonement cover” or “mercy seat” showed forgiveness, as blood was sprinkled there on the Day of Atonement. The cherubim represented God's holiness. The two tablets of the Ten Commandments had been placed inside, a reminder of the Mosaic Law and covenant.

Many things were right about David's desires and behavior with regard to the Ark. He consulted with other leaders. He acted in a spirit of respect and worship. This reflected a personal love for God, on display for all to see as he celebrated before the Lord (v. 8 ), as well as a sense of kingly responsibility. Bringing the Ark to Jerusalem signaled to the nation that they were all under God's rule and would once again be seeking to live under His authority as His covenant people.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Though David's heart was in the right place, it appears he neglected to submit his decision in today's reading to the Lord. Let's not make the same mistake! If you're faced with a key choice in the coming week—and odds are you will be—be sure to pray over it with an open mind and heart. Don't assume you know what God wants or that He will “rubber stamp” apparently good desires and plans. And give thanks that His wisdom is ours for the asking (James 1:5).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 13:9-14
The Lord’s anger burned again Uzzah, and he struck him down. - 1 Chronicles 13:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the earliest days of the Mosaic Law, Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu brought unauthorized fire before the Lord in the tabernacle. Their disobedience dishonored the nation's worship and their own calling as priests, and God immediately struck them down as proof of His uncompromising holiness. To further emphasize that the service of the Lord took priority over earthly concerns and must be done on His terms, Aaron's family was not permitted to mourn their deaths (Lev. 10).

Down through Jewish history, this episode had been remembered as a warning. David had heard the story—he should have known better than to act carelessly with sacred things. He had also heard what had happened after the Philistines had returned the Ark: some men looked inside and were put to death by God for their irreverence (1 Sam. 6:19-20). David should have checked the Law for rules concerning the Ark: It should never have been put on a cart. It was to be carried with poles by priests and was never to be touched by anyone for any reason (Num. 4:15). So when Uzzah put his hand out to steady it during transport, he sinned. All of them, including him, should have known better. Ignorance, if it was that, was no excuse.

From a human perspective, David's anger is understandable. He may have been thinking: “God, you're unfair! I'm trying to lead Israel to worship you again. Why do you have to go and punish someone?!” God is God, however, and His ways are higher. He knew David's heart, but His holiness and clear commands demanded obedience. Good intentions did not excuse carelessness. In addition, David's anger reflected his pride (at the public humiliation for him as king) and guilt (he knew what he should have done). It may have been on this very day that he learned a lesson he later taught to Solomon: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10; see v. 12).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
David thought he was pleasing God with his plan for the Ark, but he failed to follow God's instructions when executing his plan. His anger showed pride . . . his big moment was spoiled by tragedy. Are you doing the same as David? Is there something you're doing for self that you've convinced yourself is really for the Lord? Apart from the duplicity of our own hearts, Satan loves to confuse and corrupt our spiritual understandings and motivations. The Lord cares about our intentions, but He also cares about our obedience.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 14:1-17
So David’s fame spread throughout every land, and the Lord made all the nations fear him. - 1 Chronicles 14:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
Thirteen students from Moody Bible Institute, led by professor Dr. Samuel Naaman, spent last summer serving God in Kabul, Afghanistan. By working to provide humanitarian assistance, they learned first-hand about the situation and people in that war-torn nation. The team helped feed the children of war widows and rebuild a hospital at which they also planted a rose garden, an act with special significance in Afghan culture. Christians are not allowed to carry out evangelistic activities in Afghanistan; nonetheless, by living out Christ's love to those in need the Moody team shone the light of Jesus brightly. As should we all, they glorified God's name among the nations.

In today's reading, we see God's name being glorified among the nations. David could have had a swelled head over his military successes, but the evidence shows that he acknowledged God as the true King of Israel. For instance, he interpreted Hiram of Tyre's gifts as proof of God's favor (v. 2). A second example is that he asked God for a battle plan against the Philistines, not just once but twice. God gave him two victories, including direct help from the “army of God” (v. 15; cf. 12:22).

When Hiram sent workmen and materials to help build a palace, it was more than a simple gift or gesture of goodwill. It was a recognition of the legitimacy of David's kingship, like sending an ambassador or granting diplomatic recognition in modern times. The consolidation of David's position is also shown in his accumulation of wives and children. Polygamy is never God's will (Gen. 2:24), and David's actions disobeyed the Law (Deut. 17:17), but it was a common Near Eastern custom and way to claim or pursue power. Though the writer of Chronicles didn't explicitly condemn it, his readers would have known that these marriages sowed the seeds of future trouble. At that time, however, David's rise in power spread the fear of the Lord among the nations (v. 17).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's passage brings to mind world missions, which is also focused on glorifying God among the nations. To become more involved with the missionaries your church supports, write to one and propose a “photo exchange.” That is, perhaps once per month you can mail or e-mail one another current personal or family photographs. This might help you keep up with children's growth, for example, or give more opportunities to learn meaningful details of one another's lives. Such personal involvement is sure to encourage you both!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 15:1-16
For the sake of your name, O Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. - Psalm 25:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
On the night when Christ was betrayed, despite being specifically warned, Peter denied his Lord three times. He must have felt as though all was lost. How could Jesus forgive that? Yet on the Day of Pentecost, Peter received the Holy Spirit along with the others and preached a powerful sermon that led about three thousand people to trust Christ as Savior that very day (Luke 22:54-62; Acts 2). Despite all, Christ forgave Peter and had big plans for the role that the apostle would play in the life of the early church.

In today's reading, David probably felt the same as Peter. With the best of intentions, he had blown the Ark recovery in a big way. During the three months it stayed at Obed-Edom's house, he had plenty of time to relive his sin and its tragic consequences. We can also infer that he spent those months praying, confessing, inquiring of the Lord, and searching the Scriptures (v. 13). Finally, he was ready to try again. David had clearly learned from his mistakes, and much was done differently this second time around. The Ark was carried properly, on poles. Priests and Levites were used more correctly and formally. A period of consecration preceded the move.

Only one thing seems to have stayed the same—the spirit of worship, especially as expressed in music (v. 16). In Jerusalem, the king had prepared a place for the Ark, a “tent” similar to the previous tabernacle. He had likely found the detailed instructions in the Law. From a human perspective, David took a huge risk by trying again. What if something else went wrong? But he moved ahead in faith and humility, believing that God's will done in God's way brings God's blessing, and even more important, that God forgives sin. This was a key lesson to learn, for this wouldn't be the last time David would need second chances and extra grace. Peter would have understood.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Are you feeling like a failure? Have you “flamed out” or “hit rock bottom”? Take heart from David's story. Though his sin and disgrace were painfully public (and this isn't the only time that would be true), God extended grace to His child. God is the God of second (and third, fourth, etc.) chances. So if you're stuck in self-pity, anger, or confusion, or you think there's no way God could forgive what you've done this time, think again! His grace never runs out.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 15:25-16:6
Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. - Psalm 100:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Christian band Third Day recently issued two albums of worship music. Immensely popular and the winners of many awards, Offerings and Offerings II featured such memorable tracks as “King of Glory,” “You Are Beautiful,” and “Sing a Song.” Lead singer Mac Powell explained: “If we're musicians and we want to play music and yet we have a message to share, the first thing to do is know what we believe and why, but as far as the music side, make quality music that is going to open up people's ears to hear that message. I'm not saying the music is more important, but you better make some quality music or people are not going to want to hear you, period.”

In other words, the content and spirit of worship matters, and it should be offered to God to the best of our ability. David understood this, and his right attitude is found from several angles in today's reading. First, respect and honor are part of genuine worship. David made sure that a full complement of leaders accompanied the Ark, including the king's counselors (political), army commanders (military), and priests and Levites (spiritual). Their presence acknowledged God as the Source of their ability to govern and lead, showing the nation that they trusted not in themselves but in the Lord. Second, rejoicing permeates worship. Given what had happened the first time around, the atmosphere here could easily have been one of fear or caution, but instead we read of singing, dancing, and shouts of joy. Third, we understand that worship includes prayer and sacrifice (cf. Rom. 12:1-2).

As David danced and celebrated before the Lord, his wife Michal saw what was going on and “despised him in her heart” (15:29). She thought he had lost his royal dignity cavorting about in such a manner, but she failed to understand the heart of true worship, the self-abandoning joy David felt in God's presence. For her pride and incomprehension, she remained childless the rest of her life (2 Sam. 6:20-23).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
A heart of worship should be every believer's goal. One book that might help you gain a heart like David's is Sacred Pathways, by Gary Thomas (Zondervan). Reflecting on both Scripture and church history, the author suggests nine ways to love, worship, and commune with God. You can find this book and others mentioned in “Today Along the Way” at your local Christian bookstore or from online retailers like or

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 16:7-36
Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. - 1 Chronicles 16:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Historian Albert J. Raboteau wrote about the worship of African Americans in the days of slavery: “The presence of God became manifest in the words, the gestures, and the bodily movements of the believers. . . . The emotional ecstasy of the slaves' worship services conveyed their belief that the whole person—body as well as spirit—made God present and so the human person became an image of God. By encouraging them to believe the biblical doctrine that everyone was created in the image of God, worship helped Christian slaves to fight off slavery's terrible power to depersonalize its victims.”

David, with a similarly whole-person approach to praising the Lord, would have felt right at home. His psalm commemorating the safe arrival of the Ark is an all-out celebration of who God is and how He loves His people. What we have here is a kind of medley: Verses 8-22 match up with Psalm 105:1-15; verses 23-33 with Psalm 96; and verses 34-36 with Psalm 106:1, 47-48. Those psalms don't list an author, but it's reasonable to conclude either that David had already written them and drew from them on this occasion, or that he later borrowed from this composition when writing more psalms later.

The psalm opens with a call to worship (vv. 8-13). Those who remember the wonders God has done will seek His face and sing His praises. He is a covenant-keeping God, always faithful to His people (vv. 14-22). Like the returned exiles hearing or reading Chronicles, the Patriarchs too had been homeless, but God had protected and blessed them.

Furthermore, He is glorious among the nations (vv. 23-33). He is not some local idol, but the Eternal Sovereign, Creator and Lord of all nations and nature. The concluding verses remind us again of all these themes (vv. 34-36). “Amen,” which we also say today, is related to the Hebrew verb “believe” and indicates an affirmation of something firm and true.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Though we may not all possess David's musical gifts and abilities, we can still imitate his spirit of praise by writing our own “psalm.” First, recall a recent blessing for which you're thankful. Then compose a prayer or poem of gratitude and rejoicing. If you're not feeling particularly creative, you might “cut and paste” favorite verses from biblical psalms. Finally, offer your prayer or poem to the Lord as an expression of thanksgiving and worship (Col. 3:16-17).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 16:37-43
My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. - Psalm 108:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
For about thirty years, Lawrence Dutton has played the viola in the Emerson Quartet, one of the best chamber ensembles of modern times. When the group released a recording of Haydn's Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross, originally composed for a Good Friday service, he commented, “Haydn was a believer. To realize I'm playing his musical interpretation of some of the most important Scripture is inspiring.” A committed Christian, Dutton wants to honor God through making music: “[T]here are wonderful moments where, as I'm approaching something difficult or leading the music, I offer it up to God as a gift in honor of Him.”

By this point in 1 Chronicles, David's love of music in worship is obvious. Musical instruments and choirs were front and center in the procession accompanying the Ark. The priests' and Levites' duties with regard to music and praise are listed carefully, showing how close these issues were to Israel's heart. In those days, trumpets were longer than the modern version and didn't have keys. The word was also used for shorter rams' horns. Cymbals, perhaps made of copper, were similar to those today. A lyre was a 10-stringed, harp-like instrument, while the harp itself has a proud pedigree stretching from Genesis (4:21) to Revelation (15:2-4). David himself played the harp (1 Sam. 16:23) as well as writing many of the psalms.

We're not sure why the Ark was placed in Gibeon, though we know it remained there until Solomon built the temple. Since David had prepared a special tent in Jerusalem as well, two main worship sites existed and a high priest was needed at each location—Zadok in Gibeon and Abiathar in Jerusalem.

“For his love endures forever” (v. 41) was a kind of short prayer or chorus that signaled the truth of God's covenant lovingkindness. The Hebrew term is hesed (used about 250 times in the Old Testament) indicates both love and faithfulness.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Singing “new songs” to the Lord is a good thing (Rev. 5:9). Today, we encourage you to seek out some new music to add to your favorites. You might ask a friend or a family member to introduce you to an album, artist, or style of music you haven't heard before. Or you could visit a Christian bookstore (local or online) and listen to sample songs beyond your usual choices. It's not new for new's sake—the goal is to be challenged in a fresh way to praise the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 8:18-27
We . . . groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. - Romans 8:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1990, the priests in a Jesuit residence in Dublin, Ireland, decided to have the painting that hung in their dining room cleaned. It wasn't particularly valuable, but it was grimy and in need of some attention. During the restoration, it was discovered that the painting, “The Taking of Christ,” was an original masterpiece by the Italian artist Caravaggio that had been believed missing for 200 years. Today, this remarkable art is on permanent loan to the National Gallery of Ireland.

It's quite possible to mistake the value of things when they're dirty or in poor repair. It's easy to make the same mistake with God's created world around us. When all we see is pollution and filth, we lose sight of how much God still cares about His creation.

We've been looking at the importance of resurrection in forming a biblical perspective on our bodies. In our passage today, Scripture indicates that our bodily resurrection is also linked with God's work of restoration of all creation. Indeed, resurrection is our “re-creation,” and this re-creation applies to the world as well.

The apostle Paul identifies the frustration and decay of the created world with the Fall, when the ground was put under the curse of God in response to Adam's sin (v. 20; Gen. 3:17). Just as it is possible for men and women to escape the curse of sin through new life in Christ, creation too will one day be free from the grip of the effects of sin and destruction (v. 20).

This re-creation of the world is tied to our bodily resurrection at the Lord's return. Those of us who have trusted in Jesus already have salvation, here called “the firstfruits of the Spirit,” but clearly we still wait for our final resurrected bodies and for the time when we can enjoy and worship our Savior free from all sin and death (v. 23). The re-creation of the world does not occur when our souls are saved, but in the divine plan of God it will occur when our bodies are resurrected.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
This is our final day of seeking a biblical perspective on how we were created and the importance of our bodies. When you feel tempted to disparage or overindulge your physical body, a quick review of these principles may be helpful: 1) My body is part of God's creation; 2) My body was created by God as the vehicle for good works and worship; 3) My body reveals the power of God; 4) My body will be resurrected; 5) My body has significance for God's plan for creation.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 24:46-53
Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations. - Luke 24:47
TODAY IN THE WORD
This past January, as relatives of miners trapped in the Sago Mine in West Virginia held vigil, good news came: all the miners were safe! The families' joy turned to anguish and fury three hours later when they learned the grim truth that all but one of the miners had died in the accident.

If good news is not the truth, it is not really good news. This is true of the gospel as well. For the next few days, we will examine what the Bible says is the truth of the gospel. We want to focus our attention on the divide between the so-called “spiritual” versus “social” gospel.

Some have propounded the notion that being a Christian means doing good works: feeding the hungry, protesting against war, assisting the disadvantaged, or whatever other way that “good works” might be defined. Being a Christian is not tied strongly to believing certain things—and ideas about sin or redemption or resurrection might be explained away or discarded altogether. The Bible does not allow us to accept the notion that the gospel is only about good works. Our passage today gives us Jesus' own words to His disciples about the content of the gospel: He suffered and rose again on the third day, and this is the basis for repentance and the forgiveness of our sins (vv. 46-47).

Paul's letters to the early Christian churches stressed this truth as well. Romans 10:9-10 states that salvation depends on the belief and confession of the resurrected Jesus as Lord. First Corinthians 15:1-6 summarizes the gospel—the reality about what Jesus did—and declares that this is the rock on which believers can stand.

Doing good works is not enough; defining this as salvation is deception of the worst kind. The gospel, the best news in all the world, is that Jesus died for our sins and was raised from the dead, and we can have eternal life, forgiveness from sin, and access to God through believing in Him.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you have never believed with your heart that Jesus is Lord, or confessed with your mouth that God has raised Him from the dead, you can accept this offer of the gospel—good news that is true—today.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 25:31-46
Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. - Matthew 25:40
TODAY IN THE WORD
Since 2001, Vicky Graham has ministered—usually alone—among the Tonga people in Zimbabwe. The people are geographically and culturally isolated, ravaged by immorality and HIV, dominated by witchcraft, and woefully under-evangelized. As a missionary nurse, Vicky has started open-air clinics, which has given her credibility with the Tonga. “We always teach basic health education to help them understand what makes them sick. We've seen a slow softening of the community. One of the ladies who had tuberculosis, for instance, spent everything she had on witch doctors. Now she has turned to Jesus, and she is slowly realizing that only He can heal.”

What part of Vicky's ministry would we say is the work of the gospel? According to our passage for today, there is no division between Vicky's efforts to save the bodies and the souls of the Tonga people.

The so-called split between “spiritual” and “social” gospel is false; God is very much concerned with what we believe, and also with how we act. This does not mean that good deeds save us. It does mean that the truth about Jesus is accompanied by the desire to meet the needs—the real, practical, physical, and spiritual needs—of others.

The words of Jesus, describing the scene at the Last Judgment, highlight the relationship between faith and action. Notice that both groups, the “sheep” and the “goats” seem to acknowledge correct facts about Jesus (vv. 37, 44). The difference lies in the actions.

Additionally, Jesus says that eternal consequences are at stake (vv. 34, 41, 46). These deeds are not done to impress anyone. They aren't even done to earn favor with God. But reaching out to others demonstrates the reality of knowing Jesus; it is the fruit of faith. The righteous are interested in the work of feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, and visiting the neglected. Clearly God blesses those who live in the full reality of the gospel.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Sharing the plan of salvation with unbelievers is important. But often, whether working with the Tonga or Americans, God uses our willingness to meet physical needs to open the door to an opportunity to meet spiritual ones. You may have unbelieving friends or family members who need a meal or a visit while going through illness. You may have a food pantry in your community that could use donations or volunteer efforts. Prayerfully seek practical ways to live as a person of the gospel.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 3:1-4:22
It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him. - Acts 3:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Marie Antoinette is frequently (though wrongly) credited with declaring, “Let them eat cake!” when told that the French people had no bread. This attitude long predated the French aristocracy. An ancient Chinese emperor, when told that his subjects were starving for lack of rice to eat, replied, “Why don't they eat meat?”

Christians are called to a different way of living. We have been entrusted with the greatest riches and power ever known—the gospel. It has the ability to transform people from hungry to full, both spiritually and physically.

The past two days we've examined the words of Jesus to understand the full scope of the gospel as both belief and action. Our reading today covers one of the earliest incidents in the church. Peter and John were headed to prayer meeting when they were interrupted by a beggar (3:1). The needs of others often intrude upon us at seemingly inconvenient times. Will we be too caught up in our habits and routines to see an opportunity?

Peter and John shared with the man what they had and what he needed most—healing for his body and soul in Jesus' name. This act of faith allowed Peter and John to boldly proclaim the power of Christ first to the crowd in the temple courtyard, then twice to the rulers and elders (3:16; 4:10, 20). This healing also prompted praise from the beggar and those who witnessed or heard about it (3:9; 4:21).

Finally, showing concern for the beggar's physical condition resulted in his spiritual healing. And he wasn't the only one—Scripture records that this event led to the conversion of thousands of people (4:4). We cannot overestimate how God may use our expressions of help and concern for others to do His mighty work that is more than we could imagine. It is both humbling and empowering to realize that we can be part of the spread of the gospel in this way.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Many organizations offer ways for believers to meet the physical needs of people as a way to address spiritual needs as well. Prison Fellowship, for example, offers Bible studies, mentoring, and pen pal relationships to prisoners. They also sponsor Angel Tree Christmas, where people buy Christmas gifts for the children of prisoners as a way to help reconnect families and open the door to sharing faith in Christ. If you would like to participate in meeting these needs, visit www.prisonfellowship.org.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 21:1-27
I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. - Revelation 21:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
You may recall seeing a classic “Tom and Jerry” cartoon. Tom the cat was always devising fiendish plans to capture Jerry the mouse. They inevitably went awry, often resulting in one of Tom's nine lives being lost. Tom would then be shown as leaving his body and floating up to a cloud, where a halo would appear over his head as he strummed a harp.

Many people think about heaven in a similar way, but is this what the Bible describes as the eternal reward of those who have placed their trust in Jesus? For the next few days, we'll see what Scripture says about heaven, and how the promise of eternity impacts our lives here and now.

Our passage reveals several elements that characterize heaven. The first is that the term heaven is not really inclusive enough; the eternal state is described as “a new heaven and a new earth” (v. 1). The old heaven and earth, plagued with decay and the effects of sin, is finally replaced with God's creation as He intended it (v. 4). Second, God dwells with His people. No longer is God separated from us in any way. Today believers have the presence of God the Holy Spirit indwelling them; in the new heaven and earth we will relate to God in all His fullness and glory.

The immediate presence of God means the complete absence of sin and its effects. God personally removes pain, death, and suffering. His new creation will never experience a Fall, will never be subjected to a lost relationship with Him or the effects of decay. He is the radiant Light, and His people have total access to Him.

Finally, we note who will and will not be present in this re-created heaven and earth. Those characterized by sin and a rejection of God and His truth will not experience eternal life with God; they will suffer eternal torment (v. 8 ). Those who have identified with Christ and have walked in His ways, however, will be called the children of God, and will dwell with Him forever (vv. 7, 27).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Spend a few moments in quiet reflection over your future in heaven. What part do you look forward to most? Do you have a sense of anticipation for eternal existence in the new heaven and earth? Does this help give you a perspective on your present life? If you find your affections clinging to this life, ask the Lord to give you a deeper sense of the joy and knowledge of God that await us in the home He has prepared for us.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 1:1-2:3
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. - Genesis 1:31
TODAY IN THE WORD
Curators and collectors often value the preliminary sketches that famous artists made before the final drawing, painting, or sculpture. The brochure from the exhibition of oil sketches by Peter Paul Rubens states, “Painted in preparation for other, larger works . . . these small, engaging sketches were completed entirely by the artist's own hand; they are thus a direct record of the artist's creative process, an intimate glimpse of the original spark of inspiration.”

In our study of heaven, it's also helpful to look at God's sketch, so to speak. What we learn from creation illumines for us what His grand masterpiece will be.

Two phrases echo throughout this passage, both of which direct our attention to the center of the story: “And God said,” “And God saw that it was good.” Creation was the work of God and God alone, and it was done to the satisfaction of God and God alone. His work and His pleasure are the focal points of this account.

How, then, do we reconcile God's pleasure and love for His creation with what we've read the previous two days? Scripture says that this world will be destroyed—did God cease to love what He made? Did He make a mistake that He has to correct?

The answer is “no.” The analogy of the artist's sketch helps us to understand biblical teaching on this point. The preliminary sketch allows the artist to map out the contours of the masterpiece; it is not the final product, but it is also not a mistake. It has value of its own because of its own purpose.

God created the world for a purpose, but it is not the final masterpiece. When we read about His interaction with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, we marvel at His intimate communion with them. We imagine the overwhelming beauty that must have surrounded them. As lovely as Eden was, even without the Fall and curse, it cannot compare to the glory of the new heaven and new earth. The beauty, harmony, and fellowship with God was a sketch of what eternity will be like.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The artist Albrecht Dürer, best known for his work Praying Hands, has a series of fifteen woodcut prints inspired by the descriptions of heaven found in the book of Revelation. Many scholars note that his powerful work, completed in 1498, contributed to the Reformation. You can find pictures of these prints in art history books and online. As you look at art motivated by Scripture and the desire to give glory to God, praise the Lord that the reality of heaven is even more glorious.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 12:18-29
Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us . . . worship God. - Hebrews 12:28
TODAY IN THE WORD
A mysterious man began to frequent a small coffee house. He came twice a day, ordered coffee, and tipped $20. The workers, mostly college students from the local university, were concerned that perhaps the man didn't understand how tipping worked and told him that such generous tips were unnecessary. The man responded by demanding a meeting with the manager, at which he declared, “I am the Prince of Dubai. I am now buying this coffee house and giving it to all of you. I only ask that you come to Dubai and train my workers there how to run a coffee shop.”

If you've ever longed for a long-lost rich uncle to die and name you in his will, or have a stranger give you a generous gift, today's study should be exciting! The promise of heaven is a most generous gift, and it should motivate our worship and thankfulness.

The new heavens and earth are described here in language that helps us to understand what it will be like. The reference to Mount Zion contrasts with Mount Sinai, where God met with Moses to deliver His commandments. Unlike the fear and trembling that accompanied God's encounter with His people at Sinai, we look forward to dwelling with God in exuberant rejoicing (v. 22).

The description of this time also includes some exhortations that pertain to our time this side of heaven. First, we are not “to refuse Him who speaks” (v. 25). Scripture warns us emphatically that our relationship with God is no trivial matter. True, we have great joy and freedom, but our relationship is not to be treated carelessly. God loves us, but not at the expense of His glory and holiness.

Second, our response to this promise of eternity should be great thankfulness (v. 28). Our attitude of thanks should prompt an action of worship. God has promised us the greatest inheritance ever imagined—how can we not fall down in praise and reverence at His astounding mercy and generous salvation!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How well does your prayer time reflect thankfulness and worship for our promised eternal home? For many of us, our prayers start to sound like to-do lists for God, asking Him to heal, provide, bless, etc. Today, spend focused time in prayer thanking the Lord for His blessings now and promises for eternity. Not only does Scripture encourage us to do this, but this also fixes our perspective on things above, not on things of the earth.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Peter 3:1-18
What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives. - 2 Peter 3:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
Chad was in many ways a typical young American guy. He had a pretty good job, and when he wasn't working he was out partying with his friends, trying to find women to sleep with, and gambling at local casinos. When someone shared the truth about Jesus with Chad, he replied, “Oh, I'm okay—don't worry about me! I walked down the aisle of a church when I was seven years old, so I've already got my pass to heaven.”

Many people think that saying a few words about Jesus will give them a “get out of hell free” card and a ticket to heaven. The rest of the way that they live their lives is irrelevant. The apostle Peter did not endorse this view of heaven. As we'll see in our study today, he described the future promise of the new heaven and new earth as a motivation for godly living right here and now.

The recipients of Peter's letter were encountering people who questioned whether Jesus would really return and if God really intended to judge the wicked and prepare a place for the righteous. Peter reminds his readers that our time frame is not the same as God's—we cannot reduce His plans to our agenda.

In fact, God's seeming delay is really an extension of His mercy. He longs to bring sinners to repentance and believers to godliness (vv. 9, 15). The passage makes an interesting connection: When God's judgment does come, it will be swift and total; therefore, we must live now in obedience to Him. Peter certainly indicates that sinners need to repent before God's coming judgment of the world, but he also exhorts Christians to be motivated by the new heaven and new earth to live godly, holy, blameless lives.

Further, Peter elaborates on some specifics that should characterize the lives of believers. They should remember God's Word, look forward to Jesus' coming, keep their relationship with God free from impediment, be on guard against deceitful teaching, and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Eschatology—the study of the end times—has long been a hot topic. Bookstore shelves groan under the weight of all the writing done to explore this subject. While it's appropriate to explore the Bible's teaching in detail, some people have become distracted by trying to predict the future rather than endeavoring to live a godly life in the present. As we continue studying what the Bible teaches about heaven, ask the Holy Spirit to give you the desire and the guidance to live in a way that pleases Him now.