“And he that sat upon the throne said: “Behold I make all things new. And he said unto me, “Write for these words are true and faithful.” (Rev. 21:5 KJV).

There is something powerful about the word “new”.  Advertisers know this and use it in promoting their products.  The word “new” catches our attention.  It sparks interest.  It literally calls us to look more closely.  It is indeed a powerful word. 

But that word is even more powerful when it is used by God!  Whenever man makes something new, it does not take long for it to become old.  We enjoy the look, smell and performance of a new car.  We look forward to the new phone, the new computer,  the new dress, or the new boat.   But it does not take long for the new to wear off.  And then that which was new soon becomes old.  But what God makes new is eternal!  It never goes out of date.  It never gets old.  It remains just as fresh and new as the moment He created it. 

God specializes in making things new!  He promises “new life” to those who surrender to Him and walk with Him.  Jesus calls it the “new birth” (John 3:16).  With His mighty resurrection, He made a “new covenant” (Heb. 8: 7-11).  This covenant is an eternal covenant that produces a new kind of righteousness.  It is the very righteousness of Christ Himself (Rom. 3:22).  It is a righteousness that is imparted (or given) rather than a righteousness that seeks to be  earned  by our imperfect, flawed effort (Rom. 6:23).  Jesus promises us a “new body” when we die (1 Cor. 15: 49-58, 1 John 3:2).   And He promises a “new heaven and a new earth” for those who are redeemed.    This current body and this current earth is temporal.  It will not last.  But the new body that the Lord gives is eternal!   The new earth that He will make is far greater than anything that we know today.  And it will culminate in a new life in eternity! 

It will not be marred by sin , sickness and death.  The light of Christ will illuminate it (Rev. 22:5)  and the peace of God will fill it with unspeakable joy (Rev. 5: 11-14).   And the best thing about all of it is that it is a gift!  And like any gift, all we have to do  is to simply receive it (Eph. 2:8-9).

So, as we begin this new year, let us be mindful of the fact that  all of the evil, anger, hatred and noise that we see and hear during this present time, will one day soon give way to the reality of all that God makes new.   Therefore while we wait for it, let us live and rejoice in the One who makes all of this possible! 

Rev. James W. Black