He (Jesus) who was seated on the throne said, “I am making all things new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Rev. 21:5
Lord Jesus, on this last day of 2023, meditating on this one verse, three distinct images come to mind:
Sitting in my optometrist’s chair, as he dials in an updated vision correction. I’m not just prone to wander, I’m prone to astigmatism, cataracts, and “floaters”—physically and spiritually. Jesus, in a world filled with so many distractions, disheartening stories, and distressing scenarios, grant us 20-15 vision of you sitting sovereignly, actively, and joyfully on the only throne that matters. More than anything in 2024, we will need to see you, Jesus—more of your truth, goodness, and beauty.
Absorbing the wonder of the Lake of Brienz, in Iseltwald, Switzerland for the first time… I’ll never forget the sensory overload of that day. I remember thinking, “If the coming world of “all things new” isn’t one bit more beautiful, “right,” and stunning, I will be satisfied.” But Jesus, it will be 10,000 times more perfect. Along with creation itself, we groan inwardly and wait eagerly for everything you have won and secured for us.
Walking with friends through Auschwitz-Birkenau camp in Poland. But the hope of “all things new” isn’t given to us as a personal panacea or anesthetic to our fears and pain generated in this world. It’s meant to fuel our hope, engage us in your story, and free us to live and love on mission. Evil doesn’t get the last word; you do, Jesus.
I remember commenting to friends in Birkenau, “Even here, Jesus will make all things new. Tears will be wiped, and pain will be redeemed. Right here in this place where so much evil took place, God will fill it with his glory as the waters cover the sea.”
Jesus, thank you, thank you, thank you. Our labors in you will never be in vain because your labors for us are perfect and complete. For the year we now leave, and the one we now greet, we hear you say afresh, “These words are trustworthy and true.” Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.