Rector’s Reflections
Friday 19th July 2024
See, I am making all things new
Over the last few days, I have been sharing some reflections based on a verse from the Book of Revelation: “ And the one who was seated on the throne said, “ See, I am making all things new” (Chapter 21, verse 5). The fact that God is continually at work to bring about new beginnings is a great source of hope and encouragement. It means that there is always something good to look forward to. God might not be working according to the timetable we had in mind, and the process of bringing about a new beginning might involve pain, suffering and disappointment. But we can take comfort from knowing that God is at work, and that all will be well. God is indeed “making all things new”.
But God expects that we do our part as well. We need to be willing to listen to God, and humble enough to trust Him. We also need to be honest about our need for repentance. What do I mean by “repentance” in this context? I mean a willingness to recognise those areas in our lives where we really do need to change our ways for the better: to be more loving and more merciful in our attitudes towards others, and to root out behaviours which promote or support injustice. And this isn’t just a matter of words – it is good, of course, to say “I’m sorry”, but this is only the beginning. We need a real determination to change our behaviour for the better. This is not always easy to do, but we can pray to God for the wisdom, strength and courage which we need.
What we are dealing with here is nothing less than God’s gifts of new life. This gift is freely available to us in and through Jesus Christ. In and through Jesus, we are enabled to recognise the ways in which God is at work to bring about new life, and through Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit we are enabled to receive that gift in all its fulness. So we are not left alone in a world which can at times be cold and frightening, having to deal with the challenges of life by ourselves and relying solely on our own resources. We have the limitless resources of God’s love and God’s mercy, given to us in and through Jesus. As you read these words, perhaps you are bringing to mind the words of Jesus in Chapter 10 of John’s gospel: “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them, I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
Yes, God is indeed “making all things new”. But this does not mean that we are pushed to the sidelines, no more than curious bystanders watching the master craftsman at work. God encourages us to work with Him. I think His words should be seen as an invitation: “See, I am making all things new. Look all around you. See what I am doing. See the signs of new life. Come and join me – let’s work together to transform lives for the better!”
What an invitation!