New and Greater Things
My wife didn’t want a new phone. She liked the ‘clicky’ button instead of the haptic feedback. But when her old phone got waterlogged, she didn’t have a choice. As the screen was fading away, we drove to the store to get the most trade in value possible.
It’s fun to get a new device. The faster processor, more memory, better quality camera, and other new features are very appealing.
However, there is a downside of having to learn something new when you are comfortable and familiar with the old.
It’s been almost 2 years since the coronavirus erupted on the world scene. During this time, we’ve experienced a lot of “new” (none of us have lived through a global pandemic before!). Here in the U.S.A. the disruption has been combined with political tension, racial unrest, violent protests in some cities, and economic uncertainty. It’s not surprising that we miss the known and comfortable.
During these times, the words of Solomon have brought me comfort and reassurance: “There is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9c, NIV).
There is nothing that God has not anticipated or seen coming; nothing He can’t handle. And it’s true: throughout history, humanity has navigated and survived similar situations to what we are facing today.
But, as I once heard a pastor say, are we going to listen to Solomon on his worst day and receive that as the final word on “new”? Ecclesiastes is God’s Word and is therefore true. At the same time, God has more to say about the concept of new things.
In Isaiah, the Lord said, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43: 18-19a, NIV)
There is so much that God is—or will be—making new.
For believers, the Lord has given us a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26). He established a new covenant in Christ (Hebrews 8:8-13) and has made us ministers of that new covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6). We are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), and we have a new name (Isaiah 62:2). His Spirit inside of us enables us to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4) and serve in the new way of the Spirit (Romans 7:6). Eventually, God will make a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13)!
Unlike in our world, where “new” can mean better circumstances (like getting a faster, nicer cellphone) or worse circumstances (like COVID), in doing a new thing, the Lord always has greater things in store in us and for us.
Jesus said “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father… And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth… You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:12 & 16-17, ESV)
A song we sing in church says, “If I’m not dead, then You’re not done. Greater things are still to come.”
When we first sung this, my legalistic upbringing kicked in. I thought, “Oh great. If I’m not dead, then there’s more work I need to do. I’ll have to try harder and do more to meet the expectations.” But that is not at all what the song says or what Scripture teaches us!
Here are some of the lyrics:
I saw Satan fall like lightning
I saw darkness run for cover
But the miracle that I just can’t get over
My name is registered in heaven.
I believe in signs and wonders
I have resurrection power
Still the miracle that I just can’t get over
My name is registered in heaven
My praise belongs to you forever.
This is my testimony from death to life
Cause grace rewrote my story, I’ll testify
By Jesus Christ the Righteous
I’m justified
This is my testimony; this is my testimony.
Come together sons and daughters
Bought with blood and washed in water
Sing the praises of the Spirit
Son and Father
Our God will finish what He started.
If I’m not dead, You’re not done
Greater things are still to come
Oh I believe
(“My Testimony” by Elevation Worship).
What I love about this song is that it is all about what Jesus has already accomplished (which is the gospel!).
What’s our role? Believe, testify, and act.
It is from our belief that we speak and step out in trusting action.
Dear Saints, if you’re reading this, God is not finished with you! What new thing does God want to do in this year? What greater thing does He want to accomplish through you? It won’t be based on self-effort. Rather, on your faith in what Jesus has accomplished, and the steps you take in response to Him and who He has made you to be.
God is doing a new thing in you. Greater things are still to come!
Happy New Year!