“And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” Revelation 21:5 (ESV)

Only my eyes dared move as I examined the shattered glass and glitter scattered around my feet.

I lifted my gaze from the ground to the sheer red ribbon clutched between my fingers, which once held my favorite Christmas ornament. My brain couldn’t comprehend how the delicate glass orb suddenly fell toward its explosive demise.

A pitter-patter of little feet whisked around the corner to offer assistance. Although I welcomed my trio of helpful boys, I thought, What a shame that no one can put my ornament back together again.

But of course, this isn’t the only loss I’ve encountered in our broken world.

Deep down, we all sense things are not as they should be. Ever since sin, sickness and death entered our world (Genesis 3), even the most beautiful parts of our lives are compromised. We yearn for God's restoration of our broken bodies, for another embrace with our departed loved ones, or for life to return to how it was before a tragedy rocked our world.

As our minds struggle to accept difficult realities, we want someone to step in and “fix it” so we can shortcut the pain.

Jesus came down from heaven to fix our greatest need — to save us from sin and make us a new creation in Him. Now, God uses the suffering that Satan hopes will shatter us, and He redeems it for our good and for His glory. Every day, believers experience inward renewal, but I long for complete restoration. Don't you?

In Revelation 21:1-4, the Apostle John heard God’s promises for what our hearts crave:

• Creation will no longer groan; there will be a new heaven and earth.
• Believers will be presented to Christ as His perfect bride; our battle with sin will cease.
• God will dwell with His people face to face — no more seeing through a veil.
• Every tear will be wiped away; there will be no more death, sorrow, crying or pain. The suffering in our bodies will be over.

Then comes the exclamation point to these promises:

“And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true” (Revelation 21:5).

In Greek, the word translated as “behold” also means “be sure to see.” Our loving Savior reaches down to lift our weary heads and says, “Don’t miss this because these promises will change everything for you!”

Oh, friend, despite the brokenness we see now, Jesus is making everything new. And not just brand-new but unimaginably greater! The renewal we long for will happen. Evil will no longer torment. Our faith will be made sight.

These promises are hard to grasp when we’re surrounded by a shattered mess. But the One who once humbly rode on a donkey toward His death for you and me is now sitting on the throne, reigning in victory. We can trust His words: “It is done!” (Revelation 21:6a).

Fellow suffering saint, let’s hold on and take heart because Christ is coming soon (Revelation 22:7)!

Heavenly Father, help the eyes of my heart stay enthralled, captivated and filled with hopeful anticipation of Your promise to make all things new. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

1 Corinthians 2:9, “But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him’ …” (ESV).

How do the promises in today’s key verse help you persevere while you wait for your faith to be made sight? Who needs to hear about the eternal hope you have in Jesus today? Share with us in the comments!

© 2023 by Beth Knight. All rights reserved.