all things new

Opening Prayer: “I am not making all new things; I am making all things new.  That includes you!  How do you long to be made new these days?  Will you give me the space and the time to make that happen, or will you continue to try and do it yourself?” ~Jesus

Scripture: Revelation 21:1-7

Journal: What “things” is God making new in you these days?  What old things need to be let go of in order to make room to fully receive the new?  How are you longing for the day when he will make all things new?

Reflection: The “new” that God will bring about, both within us and among us, cannot be commandeered, manipulated, or controlled.  It can’t be contrived or forced.  It can only be received.  It is a gift, coming down out of heaven.  Thus, our only job is to watch and wait and keep our hands empty and open, which is much harder than it sounds.

But in order to be truly received, the new must be fully taken hold of once it arrives.  It can’t just be seen and acknowledged; it must be lived.  Which means that our old ways of being and seeing must be surrendered and abandoned in order to give this new life room to grow and take shape and take root within us.  

Pray

Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the now and the not yet.  Thank you that you are making some things new and that one day you will make all things new.  Give us the patience and the strength and the perseverance to wait for that day.