By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC

 

The Bible helps us know God has expectations of us. Whether or not we follow those expectations makes quite a lot of difference as to how life will play out. The Bible also makes sure the fact is clear that our personal existence here is not permanent. What else is clearly delineated is that this beautiful blue globe we live on will also come to a definite end.

Halley’s Bible Handbook by Henry H. Halley (Zondervan, 25th Edition) is a classic used by many students of the Bible. I have used it as my “ruler” for measuring how well I am comprehending what I am reading. Recently, while reading the Book of Isaiah, Halley’s referencing brought a renewed interest in God’s promise of a “new heaven and new earth” that is to come . . . as a legacy to those who stake their trust in God and His plan for redeeming our souls through Jesus Christ.

This particular reading of Isaiah coincides with recent news accounts in national newspapers addressing the current concern about the earth getting hotter. The question arises–does this happenstance correlate with Scripture’s numerous passages that informs readers of the “end times” and, of a “new heaven and earth.”

Jesus taught his disciples how to watch for the signs of the times that will be seen in the sky. A good read on this is in the book of Matthew, which holds a promise onto which believers tightly hold in chapter 24, verse 35: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

We don’t have to know all the answers when we have the Holy Spirit abiding in our hearts, guiding our paths as we read Scripture and pray daily. That Spirit within is Christ’s very own Spirit, given to indwell those of us who have put our trust in Him. He comforts us and gives peace as we take the journey to its end.

Wondering comes easily these days when we see vivid changes in our climate now addressed in studies completed as recently as last week, June 19. Are these shouting a warning of “Stop what you are doing!”

Scriptures within the Bible makes mention in various places the earth referencing the truth that the existence of the Earth will end . . . additionally that  it will become extremely hot—even to burn with fire. Jesus promised to return to gather His people. In 2 Peter 3:10, we are assured that the Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” Then, verse 17, encourages readers with, “Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”

It seems that common sense should tell us humans to beware during a time when our “foot print” on the globe is definitely playing a major role in heating up the earth. Astronomers and cosmologists, the experts on this, point to the use of fossil fuels saying these, by way of their data, are at the fulcrum of this increased heat throughout Earth’s atmosphere. Personally, there isn’t a lot that we can do to stave off what is causing climate change. But in case we can make this a better, safer—more “breathe-able”  place to live until the new heaven and new earth comes to be—let’s do what we can to help our policy makers seek to take care of this great gift we call “The Earth.”

For more information on most recent client studies mentioned above along and what physicists, astronomers and cosmologist are saying go to https://healing-with-joy.com/testing-candidates/ 

About author: Joy Le Page Smith is a Board certified clinical chaplain and author of four books. There are over a hundred helpful articles –FREE–for people who are struggling with varied difficulties. Find these along with her books at Healing-with-Joy.com Copy articles if you wish, while crediting this website.  Also –VIEW FREE–children’s book at website. WordPress shows people are reading Joy Le Page Smith’s blogs in 28 countries.