In the meantime

"Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7. 16-17

The Bible concludes with the assurance that, just as God provided a Saviour because he knew we cold never save ourselves, so will he deliver a new creation because we have not been able to conserve the one we now occupy. How shall we express our contrition and gratitude? Again the Bible has the answer: by living respectfully in our present circumstances and in faithful anticipation of our eternal inheritance.

This means searching the scriptures for a clear understanding of God's nature and intentions. It means recognising where we have, and continue, to fall short and begging his forgiveness. And it involves learning what it means to love God completely and our neighbour sacrificially. In both endeavours Jesus is our model and the Holy Spirit is our enabler. Nor are we alone. This week, Christian Aid has been offering examples of our Christian sisters and brothers doing the same in the most challenging predicaments. Let's take inspiration and share their story...