All Things New

"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!'" Revelation 21:4-5 (NIV)

In a world filled with suffering and uncertainty, we often long for renewal. We see injustice, brokenness, and pain all around us, and we wonder—when will things change? But as Christians, we hold fast to the promise that God is making everything new.

The assurance given in Revelation 21:4-5 is more than just comforting words—it is the very foundation of hope for all believers. Right now, we live in a world marked by sorrow, injustice, and suffering. But a time is coming when these things will be no more, when the fullness of God's kingdom will replace the brokenness of our present reality—the old order of things.

This promise has always been at the heart of God's redemptive plan. Isaiah 43:19 declares: "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" God has never abandoned His creation—He has always been working toward renewal.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul affirms, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" Renewal isn't only for the distant future—it is for us right now as we embrace the newness that Christ brings into our lives.

John 14:28 offers further reassurance. Jesus tells His disciples: "You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.'" His departure was not an end—it was the beginning of something greater. Just as He promised renewal for the world, He promised to return, signaling that restoration is already at work. His going to the Father meant that his redemptive plan was unfolding, leading us toward the ultimate renewal promised in Revelation.

But this restoration is not merely a return to the Garden of Eden. Eden was good, but in it, there was still the possibility of sin, separation, and brokenness. What Christ is bringing is far greater—an eternal kingdom where sin and suffering will never have a foothold again. As Romans 8:21 says: "Creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God." This isn't just restoration—it's complete transformation.

This promise isn't just for the future—it affects how we live today. We are called to walk in hope, knowing that sorrow, suffering, and injustice do not have the final say. We are also called to participate in God's renewal, extending grace, offering love, and working for reconciliation.

Jesus' departure in John 14:28 wasn’t abandonment—it was preparation. Likewise, as we navigate the struggles of this world, we can trust that God is still at work, making all things new.

The old order is passing away. A day is coming when mourning, pain, and suffering will be no more, and Christ will fully restore all things, not merely returning creation to its original state but making it even more glorious. Until then, we live in anticipation of that promise, walking in faith, hope, and transformation.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your promise of renewal. In a world that often feels broken, you are making all things new. Help us to live in hope, to embrace your restoration, and to be instruments of your love. Strengthen our faith and guide us as we walk in your truth. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim