GRACE WHILE WE WAIT (April 04, 2025)

A gospel song from long ago gathered the hope of millions into a yearning vision of peace:  “Someday, a bright new wave Will break upon the shore;  And there'll be no sickness No more sorrow, no more war; And little children Never will go hungry any more . . .” That bright new world hasn’t yet arrived. The headlines rage. The nations totter. Famished children in refugee camps wait for promised bread and water.  But for believers in Jesus, our reality has already begun to change, even as we long for the day when God will make all things new. The greatest shift in history has already happened: “For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins” (Col 1:13-14).  That bright new world arrives as, one by one, we accept the grace of Jesus, and then pick up His work in this world—healing; comforting; peacemaking; embracing displaced, frightened kids.  “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day” (2 Cor 4:16). The greatest change is a change of heart. Yours can begin today.  Then stay in grace. -Bill Knott