Endings and Beginnings
December 29, 2021·Tim Clark
Revelation 21
Beginnings are special.
If you’re reading the Pause Bible Reading Plan with us, you are about to be introduced to all sorts of beginnings in the first chapters of Genesis.
A whole universe being created out of nothing by the Word of God.
A world without form being shaped by God.
A beginning for humanity brought to life by the breath of God.
Beginnings are really cool!
But endings can be great too!
We don’t usually think of endings as good things: We don’t like it when a good movie or great book ends, we can struggle when a job assignment or relationship ends, and we mourn when a life ends.
So, when we get to the end of THE Book (the Bible), we find something interesting; this final book (Revelation) is a prophesy that tells us how the universe is going to end — and it tells us that it ends with a new beginning.
When the end of all we know arrives, God Himself proclaims, “Behold, I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5).
And when He does that, the Scripture says, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
When Jesus died on the Cross, He set in motion a countdown clock that would wind down to the end. And friends, we are closer to that end now than we’ve ever been. But instead of dreading the end, let’s finish this year dreaming about new beginnings that leave behind the brokenness and pain that God never intended for us in the first place.
Because, while it’s true that all things will be made new when Jesus returns, it’s also true He intends to make so many things new in your life, right now.
May I encourage you to spend some time with the Lord this week and discern what things you can leave behind and allow to end in 2021, so you can joyfully embrace the new things God has for you in 2022?
Here’s one thing I know He wants for you to find in fresh, new ways in this new year: Abundant life! At the very end of Revelation and of the Bible, God makes this offer to you and me and everyone who will listen: “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears it say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life”(Revelation 22:17).
Let’s fully embrace the free gift of life, as we say goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022!
Grace,
Pastor Tim Clark
