I know many people claim to get a song or some lyrics “stuck in their head.” They can’t help humming or even singing it. They can’t seem to think about anything else. Sometimes it is even irritating. Maybe it is because I am musically challenged, but this seldom happens to me.
But yesterday I did get a phrase that popped into my head and I could not seem to let it go. The phrase was “making all things new.” It was odd. I had not read anything that contained this phrase. I had not heard anything that would have suggested it. It is like something happens between putting the toothpaste on the brush and actually starting to brush. One second you are not thinking anything; the next minute you have the words of this phrase bouncing off the walls of your brain.
At some point, the phrase received some focus. It was familiar and, I thought, biblical. I had a hunch and, sure enough, it is from near the end of the final book of the New Testament, namely, Revelation. I certainly am not an expert on that final book. It is a contentious book. It is used by fundamentalists to predict the end of the world, so far wrongly! Typically, it is avoided by middle-of-the-road Christians and liberals because they do not know what to do with the imagery and strange symbolism.
But I like the ending of Revelation. To be sure, it is an end of the world vision. But it is a compelling vision. It is a vision of peace and joy. I was reminded of this as I double-checked the context for my phrase, “making all things new.”
The context is the author’s vision of a “new heaven and a new earth.” (Rev 21:1) The vision continues with the assurances that in this new “place,” God will be with the people and they will become aware they are God’s people. The vision is compelling because the people do not experience any more the sadness, pain, and tears that are too characteristic of our own age.
And then comes the punch line from the Holy One. “See, I am making all things new.” (21:5) Three things hit me as I ponder those glorious words. The first is simply the daring possibility that this might be true…that it is, indeed, possible. Of course, this would mean there is hope. Particularly for those who are in pain, who are sad, and who are crying, this possibility that all things are being made new is a seed of hope. Hope offers a radical challenge to despair. It makes me want to believe.
The second thing that hit me was it is a process. At least, the English translation uses the word, “making.” That is a process. If it said, “made,” then it is over. If it is over, I missed it. But a process is rooted in the present and extends into the future.
The last thing that hit me is more implicit. It is probably because of my own theology, but at least I am conscious of it. The Holy One does say, “I am making all things new.” For that, I am grateful. But I also believe the Holy One needs me and needs you to participate in the “making all things new.”
I realize I can begin this process in a couple ways. First, if I am aware currently I am making a mess of things, I can quit doing that. And things will naturally get better; I can participate in “making all things new” by just refraining from making a mess!
Secondly, I can actually start doing some things that, indeed, lend a hand to “making all things new.” There must be a zillion ways to commence. Be fair, be caring, be careful, love a little, quit complaining, quit blaming…you get the picture.
I’ve decided: I’m in. I want to help in “making all things new.” You, too?
But yesterday I did get a phrase that popped into my head and I could not seem to let it go. The phrase was “making all things new.” It was odd. I had not read anything that contained this phrase. I had not heard anything that would have suggested it. It is like something happens between putting the toothpaste on the brush and actually starting to brush. One second you are not thinking anything; the next minute you have the words of this phrase bouncing off the walls of your brain.
At some point, the phrase received some focus. It was familiar and, I thought, biblical. I had a hunch and, sure enough, it is from near the end of the final book of the New Testament, namely, Revelation. I certainly am not an expert on that final book. It is a contentious book. It is used by fundamentalists to predict the end of the world, so far wrongly! Typically, it is avoided by middle-of-the-road Christians and liberals because they do not know what to do with the imagery and strange symbolism.
But I like the ending of Revelation. To be sure, it is an end of the world vision. But it is a compelling vision. It is a vision of peace and joy. I was reminded of this as I double-checked the context for my phrase, “making all things new.”
The context is the author’s vision of a “new heaven and a new earth.” (Rev 21:1) The vision continues with the assurances that in this new “place,” God will be with the people and they will become aware they are God’s people. The vision is compelling because the people do not experience any more the sadness, pain, and tears that are too characteristic of our own age.
And then comes the punch line from the Holy One. “See, I am making all things new.” (21:5) Three things hit me as I ponder those glorious words. The first is simply the daring possibility that this might be true…that it is, indeed, possible. Of course, this would mean there is hope. Particularly for those who are in pain, who are sad, and who are crying, this possibility that all things are being made new is a seed of hope. Hope offers a radical challenge to despair. It makes me want to believe.
The second thing that hit me was it is a process. At least, the English translation uses the word, “making.” That is a process. If it said, “made,” then it is over. If it is over, I missed it. But a process is rooted in the present and extends into the future.
The last thing that hit me is more implicit. It is probably because of my own theology, but at least I am conscious of it. The Holy One does say, “I am making all things new.” For that, I am grateful. But I also believe the Holy One needs me and needs you to participate in the “making all things new.”
I realize I can begin this process in a couple ways. First, if I am aware currently I am making a mess of things, I can quit doing that. And things will naturally get better; I can participate in “making all things new” by just refraining from making a mess!
Secondly, I can actually start doing some things that, indeed, lend a hand to “making all things new.” There must be a zillion ways to commence. Be fair, be caring, be careful, love a little, quit complaining, quit blaming…you get the picture.
I’ve decided: I’m in. I want to help in “making all things new.” You, too?
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