Dear Church,

Early morning today, I had the privilege of sitting beside a 64-year-old believer on her deathbed, surrounded by her loved ones. It was a sacred moment to talk with her about the certainty of total renewal in the presence of Jesus. Though her body was failing, her eyes shone with a deep hope in Christ, fully aware of the complete transformation awaiting her.

How else could we experience the fierce beauty of a renewed creation unless we are renewed? How else could we fulfill our roles in God’s eternal kingdom unless our bodies are transformed into perfect, glorified bodies, suited for eternity?

Psalm 103:4-5 speaks so powerfully to this promise:
“He who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

At the Great Restoration, death will be utterly swept away. And not just death, but every sorrow, illness, harm, and assault we’ve ever known. You will be completely renewed — body, soul, and spirit.

How can we imagine such complete renewal on this side of eternity? While we can’t fully grasp it, we catch glimpses of it in the small recoveries we experience here and now. Think of an excruciating toothache hammering you relentlessly, followed by the sweet relief when it’s gone. Or consider how your body feels after shaking off a nasty flu that drained all your strength — when energy and appetite return. These aren’t perfect comparisons, but they are hints of the ultimate restoration that awaits us in the presence of Jesus.

Be encouraged today: whatever you’re enduring now, it is not the end of the story. Renewal is coming. Full restoration is promised. And the One who crowns us with love and compassion will make all things new.

Be encouraged,
Mathews