5 Minute Retreat: All Things Made New

A reading from Isaiah 43:18-19 [English Standard Version (ESV)]

Remember not the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.

[Silent Reflection] What words or phrases strike you?

A reading from Revelation 21:5 (ESV)

And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

[Silent Reflection] What questions come to mind when you reflect on this passage?

Reflection from Rev. John Piper (desiringGod.org)
When God makes all things new, he will make us spiritually and morally as pure as flawless crystal, he will give us a body like the body of his glory, he will renovate all creation to take all futility and evil and pain out of it, and finally he himself will come to us and let us see his face. And so forever and ever we will live with pure hearts and glorious bodies on a new earth in the presence and the glory of our heavenly Father.

[Silent Reflection or Journal] This week, spend five minutes a day reflecting on what the world will look like when all things are made new. Then record how reflecting on this hope—the hope of heaven!—affected (or did not affect) your day-to-day outlook or routine.

Prayer
God of hope, all praise belongs to you for your renewing powers. Thank you for your promise to make all things new. Write that on our hearts, we pray, and move us more toward love and service each day.

[Intentions]

Our Father...

Submitted by Ann Primus Berends