And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Revelation 21:5
Revelation 21:5
In the closing book of the Bible, we find many interesting and mysterious events recorded. And while we can speculate as to when they will take place and even what they mean there are few things we know for certain. One of them is that in the culmination of what we call history God will re-create that which had been polluted by the effects of sin. The language of Scripture is that there will be a new heaven and a new earth. And what that fully means is yet to be seen.
In the verse quoted above, we see a statement that is really a promise. We are told that the one who sits on the throne of heaven has an objective to complete. That objective is to make all things new. I do not want to speculate as to what that means. The truth of the matter is my attempt at a description would be far less than the reality still to come. What I know for sure is when it happens it will be one of the greatest miracles God has ever performed. And I look forward to seeing that someday.
But looking a little closer to home I find great comfort in knowing God is able to make all things new. In spite of the struggles of life and the challenges of living according to God’s word, God is faithful to fulfilling his promises toward us.
The apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians speaks of his confidence regarding what God has begun and how he will be completed. Philippians chapter 1:6 Paul says this:
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6 (KJV)
The promise we see in Revelation and the promise Paul articulates in Philippians are connected. What Paul was saying to the Philippian church we see fulfilled by what God says in Revelation.
I wish I could tell you that I completely understand how this will work out. But I can’t. These are things reserved within God’s mind that he will reveal in his own time. What we must do is remain focused on the work placed in our hands. As we continue on this journey we will encounter moments and opportunities to see the progress God is making in us and toward the ultimate manifestation of his promises.
The season of Lent affords us the space we need to pause and look forward to the hope that is to come. We celebrate it, again and again, as a constant reminder of God’s faithfulness to his word and to his people.
Let us rejoice each day in the newness of the opportunities presented to us. I pray we would learn to take advantage of them. And that we would look forward to participating with God on this journey.