“Something absolutely new?”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Thursday, December 28, 2023
Revelation 21: 1-7 (Forward, p. 60) CEV p. 1312
There is an old wedding saying that is strangely appropriate to today’s Scripture passage. It is the age-old proverb, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” I was especially struck by this, given that the setting of today’s passage was a royal wedding, a wedding between heaven and earth or between the heavenly bridegroom, which is Christ, and us.
It speaks of the dwelling place of God now being with us, with humankind, and of a new existence where sorrow, pain, death and suffering will be no more. Yes, this is indeed new, in the sense that the human race has not known any of these things at any time since the Fall. But, then, on the other hand, they are also old, in the sense that we are returning to the idyllic existence we humans once enjoyed with God.
And, in a way, all of this is also ‘borrowed’, at least in the sense that none of it was earned or merited by us. It is God, Jesus Christ, who is doing all this, bringing all this to pass. It is He who wipes away all tears, makes everything new, and gives us the life-giving waters.
And, as for the ‘blue’ part of the ancient rhyme, it refers to purity and fidelity or faithfulness, and surely, those describe our Saviour’s relationship with us. Even when we prove ourselves unfaithful, He does not give up on us, and continues faithful and steadfast, no matter what.
And so, here in this passage, we are reminded of something incredible and wonderful. Something that is new, yet old, that is still in the future and yet already present and accomplished for us who are ‘in’ Christ Jesus. We already have a ‘taste’ of His presence and of the newness that He brings forth. May we, you and I, not only enjoy this, bask in this, but also more fully ‘live into it.’ Amen.
Forward notes: “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes” (verses 3-4).
“The book of Revelation seems to hold a reputation in secular culture as a reckless assemblage of warnings about the end of the world. As compelling as these images might be for doomsday movies, Revelation is so much deeper and more profound. The final book of the Bible is a collection of words, images, and symbols written for the early church in a troubled time, and I try to read it without expectations that it should be a modern guide or offer one overarching message. It was not written directly to this time, although I find it deepens my understanding of good and evil.
“In today’s reading, God is revealed as a constant presence, walking next to humans as we work, travel, eat, clean up, and try to get along with others. God understands daily trials. Revelation’s images, especially this one of God as patient companion, transport me to a place where God’s nurturing love surrounds me. God belongs with mortals and will wipe away our tears.”
Moving Forward: “What is your impression of the book of Revelation? Does the author’s description resonate with you?”