Revelation 21:5

Where We Will…

Watching as the branches fill in, flowers blossom, pollen wafts through the air, and Spring burgeons and unfolds, there is a sense of awe. In the Book of Revelation, it is written, “The One who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’” (Rev 21:5a). Not some things, or only certain things, but all things. Thinking about this, I cannot help but consider this concept further and ask, “Am I open to all things being made new by God?”

The flowers grow and open, pretty much wherever they are planted. And certainly, there are some conditions necessary for their maturity and well-being—light, water, nutrients, and some level of protection from harsher elements and realities. However, the things vital to their growth can be found or seep in even in unexpected places, and overall, flowers grow where they will.

In chapter 14, verses 21-27, of the Acts of the Apostles, we continue to learn of the experiences of Paul and Barnabas as they travel on, inspired by their discipleship desire. Their journey leads them back to Antioch, the place of resistance from where they were expelled in chapter 13.

It is written:

“From there they sailed to Antioch,
where they had been commended to the grace of God
for the work they had now accomplished.
And when they arrived, they called the church together
and reported what God had done with them
and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.” – (verses 26-27)

Imagine. God called them to something more, launching something new from the very place that was not open to receiving them at the time. It turns out God had somewhere else in mind for them. How did they react or respond?

Paul and Barnabas were willing to let go of their notions and allow themselves to be led to other territories where they not only experienced what God had in mind, but also deepened their faith. Eventually, they were led back to Antioch, where, because of God who makes all things new, they were able to meet resistance with something more, something stronger, faithful witness to the Glory of God.

So just as flowers grow where they will, so too Paul and Barnabas… so too us. If we are open to it.

“Behold, I make all things new.” – Rev 21:5a

Stuck at the Edge…

Perhaps one of the most beautiful and mesmerizing things about the ocean is its motion. Despite its unrelenting, constant movement, and the change and transition that it brings about for anyone or anything within it, it is found, more often than not, to be soothing or healing. Yet, in any other arena, on land, in the air, or in our lives, it seems fair to say that the movement of the ocean would be considered chaos, and be an unsettling presence.

In the Book of Revelation, it is written, “The One who was seated on the throne said: ‘Behold, I make all things new…'” (21:5). This verse is a great reminder that God is not static, but rather like the ocean, always encouraging change and seeking balance—the greater good.

In such volatile times, it is worth the exploration to see the things that are as opposed to the things that used to be.  Where there is little or no true change, there is always room to do better… to do more than just look. To act, rather than to sit, stuck at the place that is only the beginning.   

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin