All things new

Notes from the Pastor...

The greatest testimony, in all of Scripture, may well be the pronouncement by the one who sits on the throne, presumably the risen Jesus, in the 21st chapter of the Book of Revelation; he says, “Behold, I am making all
things new.”  The problem with this testimony is we often prescribe its effect to the future and to some post-mortem existence in the life beyond.  Yet when we study the Book of Revelation we find that its effect is in the present (or maybe even the past) and not merely the future.  

aspect:  n. 1. A category of the verb designating primarily the relation of he action to the passage of time, especially in reference to completion, duration, or repetition.

The aspect of the Book of Revelation is notoriously difficult to detect.  Nevertheless, just for a moment imagine what our world would look like if Jesus’ pronouncement, “Behold, I am making all things new,” meant TODAY.  What kind of hope, optimism, ministry, and compassion would this birth into our lives?  What past disasters, pains, and abandonments would be healed?  

With the birth of our daughter on April 18th, Kristyn and I (along with Jack) experienced the exclusively sublime freshness of new.  After the Lenten season spills into Easter we ministers are tired; we pour all our spirit into Holy Week and often don’t feel the relief of the empty tomb until weeks after the echoes of “He is risen, indeed” have ceased.  Yet when Ellie Spring reclined into my arms I felt the breath of hope that comes with the pronouncement, “Behold, I am making all things new.”

This may be auspicious, but I tell you; God hears the prayers of his Church.  His kingdom and will are progressing to reality on earth as it is in heaven.  “Behold,” in this moment, the risen Jesus says, “I am making all things new.”

May the peace of Christ be with you,
Pastor Ryan