“For the world in its present form is passing away.” – 1 Corinthians 7:31
It has been said that the only thing constant in life is change. Just think about how your world is different now than it was five years, one year, or even just six months ago. If we look back ten years, to January of 2005, no one had iPhones or tablets. Facebook was only an obscure start-up, and the Pope at that time was future Saint John Paul II.
Yes, the world keeps spinning and time keeps moving, but where’s it all headed? It often seems like we’re on a train that’s jumping off the tracks. Ever since Eve bit into that apple, things have been pretty chaotic.
But, here’s the good news: “where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more…” (Romans 5:20) From the very moment of that first sin, God’s plan for our salvation and redemption began to unfold. The third chapter of the book of Genesis depicts a conversation between God, Adam, Eve, and the Serpent in which God explained the consequences of their actions. Addressing the Serpent, God promised that a son of Adam and Eve would “strike at your head, while you strike at his heel” (3:15). Christians later came to see this as the Protoevangelium, or “first gospel,” that foretold of Christ’s triumph over death.
That very same victory is what Jesus Himself proclaimed to the people of Galilee, saying, “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Indeed, Jesus the King had arrived, and though his kingdom was only the size of a mustard seed, it had been firmly planted.
And it continues to grow today.
As a result of his Resurrection from the Dead, and through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, our Lord unceasingly works to “make all things new” (Rev. 21:5). Thus, we need not fear, but should instead welcome the passing of this world, for through His grace, God is sanctifying that which is broken – down to the smallest atom - so as to transfigure it into a “new heaven and a new earth” (Rev. 21:1).
Until that day comes, we must strive to live in and build His kingdom, which is already here, but not yet fully realized. It is like a train whose engine has pulled into the station but whose back cars and caboose are still coming down the line.
We must usher them in by living as “children of the light” (Ephesians 5:8). Indeed, “the darkness is passing away, and the light is already shining” (1 John 2:8). Therefore, let us allow God to make us soldiers for His kingdom and instruments of His peace, so that:
Where there is hatred, we may sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
Lord Jesus, reign in our hearts. May your kingdom come and your will be done. Redeem and sanctify our world through the power of your Holy Spirit, that all things may be made new. Amen.
