A New Year’s Message

“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.” Revelation 21:5

What’s New?

The Athenians, who spent their time in telling and hearing some new thing, were by no means singular persons: novelty still fascinates the crowd. How pleased we are with that which is new! Children’s eyes sparkle with talk of new things; for our short-lived nature loves that which has lately come, and is therefore like our own fleeting selves. We, too, are all children for we eagerly demand new things and rush after “many inventions” of the hour, for “many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”(Dan 12:4). I don’t wonder, therefore, that the words of the opening text sound like a pleasant song in your ears. But, joyfully, there’s a deeper, prophetic meaning.

Good Old Days?

The newness Jesus brings is bright, clear, heavenly, enduring. We are especially ready for this New Year. How? Well, most men have grown weary with the old cry of hard times; and are glad to escape from what has been for many, twelve months of great trial or affliction. The last year had become croaking, groaning, and feeble in its old age, and is now asleep with a psalm of judgment and mercy.

Blessed New Year!

We hope that this newborn year will not be any worse than its predecessor, and we pray that it may be better. We know prophetically, however, otherwise. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities; against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”(Eph. 5:12). Moreover, “the world lieth in wickedness.”(1 John 5:19). “Our adversary, the devil, like a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”(1 Peter 5:8). Indeed, many have been voraciously devoured, and many more are being fiendishly devoured.

Nevertheless, it’s a new year and we’re encouraged to join it with the ideas and wishes of happiness, “remembering God in a special way” (CS 296), as we say to one another, “I wish you a blessed or happy New Year.”

Old Fashioned?

But, as men (and women) in Christ, we should not be carried away by a childish love of novelty. Yet, in some matters “the old is better.” Indeed, the old, old gospel is the newest thing in the world; in its very essence it?s forever good news. In the things of God the old is ever new, and if any man brings forward that which seems to be new doctrine and new truth, it is soon perceived that the new dogma is only worn-out heresy repaired, and the discovery in theology is the digging up of a carcass of error. Dead, dead – which had better have been left to rot in oblivion. In the great matter of truth and godliness, we may safely say, “There is nothing new under the sun.”(Eccl 1:9).

Old Rags

Yet, there’s so much evil about ourselves and our old nature, so much sin about our life and the old past, so much mischief about our surroundings, and the old temptations, so much self, pride, that we are not distressed or troubled by the belief that old things are passing away. Ah! But, hope springs up when we hear the words from the lips of our risen and reigning Lord: “Behold, I make all things new.” It is fitting that things so outworn and defiled should be laid aside, and better things fill their places; new heavenly places, divine thoughts, exceeding joy, overflowing heart!

Thin Line

New Year’s day, as the first day of a new year, is significantly a solemnly joyous day for many. Though there’s no real difference between it and any other day, yet in the minds of many it’s a marked period in our journey of life. It’s only in imagination. When men “cross the line,” they don’t find a visible mark; the sea bears no trace of an equatorial belt; and yet mariners know whereabouts they are, and they take notice thereof, so that a man can hardly cross the line for the first time without remembering it to the day of his death.

Well, we are crossing that line now; we’re silently sailing into the new year. Another year of grace and mercy; another year of probation; another year closer to the second coming of Jesus in all His glory. If Jesus has not made us new already, let the new year cause us to think about the great need of true conversion and the new world of righteousness; or for others, renewing our solemn covenant with God.

This Year!

Let us be persuaded by the season to enthusiastically (GR en-Theos; in God), divinely press forward into the center of His new creation; praying unceasingly, fasting, studying the scriptures and testimonies, establishing your hearts, watching, self-examination, earnestly preparing for His soon coming; so as to receive the latter rain; and by proclaiming the three angels” message, prepare the earth’s inhabitants for Jesus” second advent. Furthermore, that we may always feel to the full, all the power of His loving grace and Holy Spirit working in us, and through us; that incessant blood-beat!

Clearly, then make this a “year of fulfillment” ? surrendering totally to God’s will; allowing Him to fulfill His purpose in your life. Face the challenges, of opportunities and trials, by passionate and stalwart faith. James tells us to be quick to listen. Remember, also, “our glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

O Lord! We would rejoice and be glad forever in that which Thou doest create. The former troubles are forgotten, and are hidden from our eyes because of Your ancient promise, – “Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” (Isaiah 65:17). Finally, ? Endure!
AMEN.

John Theodorou, U.S.A.