Making, Not Replacing
“He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'”
— Revelation 21:5 (NIV)
Two details matter. The Greek word for new here is kainos, which means renewed in quality rather than brand new in kind. God is not throwing this world away and starting again. And the verb is present tense: I am making, not I will make. John was writing to churches under pressure who needed to know the work had already started.
What has changed in you since June that you never thanked God for? God says I am making, not I will make. Something has already happened in you without asking your permission. Look at what has already changed, too.
Look for What Is Better Than June
- 1Name one thing about yourself that is a little better than it was in June. Small counts.
- 2Ask someone close to you: 'What have you seen change in me this year?' Then just listen.
Lord, show me the part of Your work that already happened in me this month.
Something in me has already changed, and I never counted it.
Does new mean brand new or renewed?
The Greek kainos points to renewal in quality rather than replacement. The picture is restoration of this creation, not its disposal.
Why is the tense important?
I am making is present continuous. The work is described as in progress rather than reserved entirely for the end.
Who was John writing to?
Churches under real pressure and in some cases persecution. The promise was addressed to people who needed it immediately.