DECEMBER 31 – Reading 365

by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr | December 31

“ALL NEW!”
(Revelation 17:1 – 22:21)

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.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God, and he will be my son. – Revelation 22:5-7

When I was ordained, the candidates, as part of the ceremony, were handed their Bibles to read a passage of Scripture that represented the core of their calling. The verses I chose were from the final chapter of the Bible (Revelation 22:17…20).  

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty, come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price… He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen!  Come Lord Jesus!  

Perhaps, coincidental, but the last sermon my Father uttered, before entering into his eternal reward, was about the “Soon Return of Jesus”.  I suppose this has been a multigenerational blessing passed (in my lifetime) from my Great Grandmother to, by faith, my grandchildren and as many as the Lord will call.   

I believed then and even more so today that Jesus is coming soon!  Likewise, my heart and greatest desire join the Apostle John’s final encouragement to the church at large:  “Come Lord Jesus!”   He then concludes his revelation with a blessing to the church, saying, “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”

As this year’s clock ticks toward midnight, we feel the pull of “newness.”  New goals. New habits. New wishes and hopes.  But Revelation doesn’t end with a “New Year.”  It ends with a New Creation—something only Jesus can make. This is not resolution—it’s resurrection. Not self-improvement, but God’s renewal of everything.  What a way to end a year through the Bible:  a reminder to “Long for His Appearing”!  

J.R.R. Tolkien in The Return of the King expresses my desire for evil to be defeated and the restoration of all things ascribed to Jesus.  Sam speaking to Gandalf after the ring is destroyed and they awaken in Ithilien, “Gandalf! I thought you were dead! But then I thought I was dead myself. Is everything sad going to come unture?”  John reminds us that Jesus is going to make everything new.  Truly, everything that is sad for the believer will become untrue!

In the New Creation:

• God dwells with His people.  Never separated from God again.

• No tears. No death. No pain.  He will wipe away every tear.  We will live forever in eternal bliss.

• The curse is reversed. Our sinful nature and earthly flesh is gone.  His nature and His body will be our norm… We will be like Him!

• The river of life flows. Our existence will be filled with joy and peace as the love of God is continually manifest in our lives.

• The tree of life heals the nations. – There will be a new order.  Everything aligned with His Will.

John gives us one final contrast between the church and the world.  A contrast to spur Jesus’ church to stay focused on their mission.  While we who believe are “a new creation”, those who reject Jesus don’t share in our blessing!  No, they are outside of heaven’s gate to await eternal judgment and separation from all that is holy and good!  John describes their fate as the second death, leading to the lake of fire, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

This reality drives me to proclaim Christ to our world.  He is the only one who can make all things new!  Because of my love for God and His love for the lost, I have spent my life preaching, teaching, going, creating, and equipping others to do the same.  It is why we, as a church, do not exclude or judge, but bring people to Jesus so that they may be forgiven, set free, and experience the abundant life only Jesus can provide.  It is why Brenda and I give sacrificially to our Kingdom Fund so we can reach the world with the Gospel, and why I shamelessly ask you, as a part of our congregation, to do the same.  It is why the primary focus of every sermon is Jesus, His life, teachings, and the power of the cross, resurrection, ascension, Spirit baptism, mission, and return!

Why?  Because I know that if you live humbly, purposefully, and generously, you will be a blessing to others, and for all eternity reap the rewards of your accomplishment!  Jesus declares not only that He is coming soon, but that he is bringing with him rewards based on what we have done.  So, long for his appearing as you live in the grace purchased for you with His blood!  My prayer is that Jesus will be your pursuit in the next year!  

Key Thought:
Only Jesus makes all things new—permanently. Live for that world, not this one.

Applications:

• Live with eternal hope. You’ve read the whole Bible. You know the ending. Live like it.

• Persevere in faithfulness. Christ is coming with rewards for how you lived this year and every year.

• Fix your eyes on the New Creation. Don’t settle for temporary comfort when eternal glory is coming.

Reflection Questions:

• How will I live differently knowing Jesus is coming soon?

• What eternal priorities should guide my goals for 2026?

Closing Prayer:
Come, Lord Jesus. Make all things new—beginning with my heart. As I close this year, anchor me in eternity. Let my life reflect the hope, holiness, and urgency of Your return. Help me to focus my time, talent, and treasure to accomplish my part in fulfilling the great commission:  Go into all the world and preach the Gospel.  Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything you are teaching us. Grant me the capacity to see through the apostle John’s eyes your glory and hear from his written revelation, your clarion call to live a life worthy of your mercy and grace! We do join the Spirit as your bride in crying out, Come Lord Jesus Come! Amen.