All things new
by Pastor Peter Bean
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Look, I will make new heavens and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17).
This verse, repeated in Revelation 21, is one of my favourites in the Bible. Not because of the future happiness it seems to offer – some would say pie-in-the-sky – but because it is grounded in the everyday reality of God becoming human in Jesus.
Yes, there are wonderful pictures of hope in these verses: my people will be happy forever (verse 18); never again … the sound of crying or sadness (verse 19); wolves and lambs will eat together in peace (verse 25). These point to a time of perfect bliss, joy beyond imagination and blessings to all people. Something to look forward to.
But again, I am drawn to Jesus: Come to me … you who are tired … I will give you rest (Matthew 10:28); I am the bread that gives life (John 6:35); I come to give life; life in all its fullness (John 10:10). And I could list many other verses where Jesus makes it clear: if you believe in me, you have life now.
You see, in Jesus, all things became new. The law was fulfilled. New hearts and lives were fashioned; people were new. Creation was restored. Jesus’ present reality, with the women and men who were his disciples, and all his followers, transfers to us through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. ‘When I go away, I will send the Helper [the Holy Spirit] to you’ (John 16:7).
We can look forward to perfect harmony: to love and joy and peace beyond measure. But we can also live with the presence of Jesus in us today. Go for a walk with your eyes newly opened. Look at the world, your neighbours, the birds and the flowers through a new lens. See God active in creation and in people. See Jesus before your eyes. And experience new life today.
We thank you, God, for the wonderful promises you provide for us. But even more, we thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, coming into our world and making all things new. Help us to live and celebrate this newness in our lives. Amen.
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