Bask

I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. God will dwell with them; they will be God’s peoples, and God will be with them; God will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” – Revelation 21:3-4 (NRSV)

If you’re like the rest of us, you will do (or have already done) the resolution thing for 2020. A couple I know spends every January 1st doing what they call “Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise.” Together, they make one commitment that will help them be healthier, one that will help them to use their wealth in better and more faithful ways, and one that will educate them or otherwise improve their wisdom. It is a worthy way to spend the day.

Resolving to do things that will improve our lives and improve the world is certainly a good practice. But before you do it this year, allow me to make a suggestion. Take a few minutes and read through all of John’s vision in chapters 21 and 22 of the Book of Revelation. Take time to imagine what the world will be like when this vision is fulfilled. Imagine what it will look like, what it will taste like, how you will feel. Bask in the goodness.

And then just before you begin resoluting, remind yourself of this very important point: It is not your job to save the whole world; Somebody Else has already made that resolution, and that particular Somebody is guaranteed to keep it.

Prayer
Lord, I thank you that you are God and I am not. Help me to trust that you are saving the world even as we speak, and give me the grace and the resolve to play my small part in it. Amen.

About the Author
Quinn G. Caldwell is a father, husband, homesteader and preacher living in rural upstate New York. His most recent book is a series of daily reflections for Advent and Christmas called All I Really Want: Readings for a Modern Christmas. Learn more about it and find him on Facebook at Quinn G. Caldwell.