“God Himself Will Be With Them”

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! 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.”

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.”

He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.

Revelation 21:1-7

We all want to take old things and bring them back to what they might have been light when they were brand new. When we succeed it feels like a small victory against time and decline.

Think of the words of Jesus: “I am making everything new!” These words refer to God’s renewal of creation, which includes believers. Already, all who’ve received Jesus are a “new creation” in Him.

And one day we will enter into His promise of unending days with Him. Age and disease will no longer take their toll, and we will continue the adventure of an eternal lifetime.

What stories each of us will have to tell – stories of our Savior’s redeeming love and undying faithfulness.

The end of a year and beginning of another is an opportunity for a fresh start. What might God be making new in your life?

Our Daily Bread – December 30, 2018