A time is coming when those who put their faith in Christ today—and tomorrow, and the next day—will no longer be distracted; when their desires will be fully satisfied. Forever. Then we will dwell with God. He will be our God and we will be his people. In the meantime, may we hope for what we do not see and “wait for it with patience” (Romans 8:25).

What’s new? Where can I get it? When can I get it?

We live in a world that is constantly chasing newness—and the business world capitalises on hearts that have an inbuilt desire for newness. New hairstyle, new shoes, new takkies, new phone, new car, new clothes, new friends. New you.

Sadly, new things get old. They lose their freshness. Your favourite takkies will look and feel old when a newer range is advertised. That new car will suddenly feel old when the new model is introduced. Your year-old phone becomes redundant when the latest model drops. New things have a powerful lure. We’re drawn to them, even though we all know that novelty quickly wears off. New things become old things.

We need to be gripped by newness that will never grow old. We need to yearn for an eternal newness—the kind we read about in Revelation 21:1-8.

“I Am Making All Things New”

The book of Revelation shows us a future newness that is yet to come. Believers are promised a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1); a new Jerusalem. God also promises to make “all things new” (Revelation 21:5). In just five verses, we read the word “new” for times (Revelation 21:1-5). Through this repetition, God is pointing his people to something fresh, better and long-lasting that is coming. This is a promise worth waiting for.

The promise of newness in Revelation 21:1-5 is countercultural. It isn’t instantaneous. We can’t purchase it (Isaiah 55:1). Furthermore, it will actually last—and satisfy—forever. This wonderful truth, the Christians glorious hope, should shape how we live in the present. It should gird us against the lure of countless new things. By it, we can guard against the consumerism that dwells in our hearts and also characterises modern cultures. Fixing our eyes and hearts on the fulfilling newness of glory will help us resist chasing the freshest item online or in the shop window. For it can help us learn to be content.

Read More