C-19 Reflection #20: New Things

C 19 Reflection (#20)

Theme: New Things

Scripture Readings:

Isaiah 43:18-19

18 

“Forget the former things;

    do not dwell on the past.

19 

See, I am doing a new thing!

    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness

    and streams in the wasteland.

Revelation 2:15

21 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”[a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘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.”

5 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.”

Reflection:

 Even though Friday signals coming to the end of the week, I’ve been feeling like I needed to begin thinking with you about beginnings, specifically new beginnings. This isn’t because I’m bucking against a long obedience in the same direction because I very much am into the life of the patient, day after day journey, and I want you to be as well. It’s just that things seem to be taking a slight turn. The public square conversation trends have begun to shift just ever so slightly this week, even as the reality remains complex. Plants and flowers are beginning to spring up. Just saying.

I think I just wanted to say to you today, that God is working in our day to day, in the midst of our struggle to remain patient, even if it seems like we are stuck in a culture of death. The resurrection of Jesus, if nothing else, tells us that God brings life in the midst of death.

Take a few moments to work through the questions today as a way to plant your stake in the ground, saying that you want to sense and see what  newness God is bringing.

Reflection Exercise:

1. Spend some time allowing these scriptures to wash over you through quiet meditation and prayer. 

2. Notice the main themes, key expressions and even the connections between the two texts. What things draw you closer?

3. Why is God the one who is associated with bringing change in scripture? How does this important reminder shape us and guide us? 

4. How much of the theme of change and newness has been a part of your soul reflection, your conversation and your prayer during this season we are in? (*Tough topic!)

5. How have you experienced change in the past several weeks? What change trends have you noticed in yourself and in others? Are you glass half full or half empty during these days? 

6. Do you see any longer term changes coming? Name them. Do these changes discourage you or encourage you? What things need to be made new? How do you see God’s hand and heart in these changes?   

7. My retired neighbours are shaking off the stiffness of winter rest and beginning the spring yard work. At the same time, new plant and flower life has started all on its own.

What does it look like for us to be people who respond to and participate with God’s renewing presence in creation, in culture, in church, especially now?

Has God laid any new dreams, desires or initiatives on your heart?

8. Go back to the scripture readings one more time. Pray them. Take them with you through the day and into the days to come. Speak them to your heart when you are feeling down about things. Let them bring to you the new life and hope they are designed to bring.