The Ultimate New Beginning

The Ultimate New Beginning

“He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5).

We all love new beginnings. There’s something about a fresh start that inspires us to work hard and to set new goals. The Bible has a lot to say about new beginnings. In fact, God marked his creation with many demarcations for new beginnings to highlight his faithfulness and his redemptive activity.

First there are new days. This calls to mind God’s unfailing love and his great compassions: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23). And the apostle Paul encourages us to daily reaffirm our calling in Christ: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13b-14).

When he wrote these words, Paul may have had his eye on the ultimate new beginning, referenced in the verse above from Revelation 21, where the Lord declares to John, “I am making everything new!” He’s talking about “a new heaven and a new earth,” (Revelation 21:1) where He says, “God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)

Think of it. No more tears or sorrow; no more crying or pain; and no more mourning, for there will be no more death. God’s new heaven and earth will be all about abundant life.

As we begin another new year with all of its new opportunities and new challenges lying before us, may we set our sights on living toward this ultimate new beginning!