Parenting Points
True beauty is found in beginning again. Deep in the core of our faith stands a longing for a new beginning when all wrongs will be made right, tears will be wiped away, and Jesus will make “all things new” (Revelation 21:5 ESV). We long for the return of King Jesus and eternity to come, the promised end of our great journey with God and what we were made for.
One of the often-missed elements of the Advent season, which we just celebrated last month, is as the Old Testament followers of God longed for the Messiah’s first appearing, we as modern-day Christians should long for the Messiah’s ultimate return. The scriptures point us to a posture of looking up and “waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13 ESV). We are looking and longing for the ultimate new beginning. As we begin the new beginning of a New Year, we find ourselves surrounded by people trying to be different and bring change into their lives. Maybe that is eating a few less cheeseburgers or spending more time as a family together. In the middle of everyone trying to bring change to their lives and be better for 2020, we must remember these three truths:
Jesus brings transformational change. Our culture would tell us that success comes from our own effort, strength, and wisdom. Yet as Christians, we know that true and abiding transformation is something that comes from outside of us. Jesus is the One who can truly bring change and transformation to our lives and families. Let us seek Him for His transforming work.
Our hope ultimately is in heaven. Though losing a few pounds or spending more time with family are not bad goals, they are not where we should place our hope. Despite your best efforts to be healthy, you will eventually grow old and die. Even the best family relationships are still scarred and broken by sin. We must place our hope in the place where hope can truly be found.
Looking up and longing should be the posture of the Christian. Let us be people who look up and long for Jesus. Like the son waits by the window for dad to come home, let us be people who look towards the sky for the Rescuer to come and make all things new.
– Ben Birdsong
Writer, Speaker, Minister
