And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. ... He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." 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." Revelation 21:3a, 4-5

Don't you love that new car smell? I know I do. It smells even better if you are able to pay it off the day you buy the car, right? Well, this side of heaven, even that new car smell thing can't be perfect. It seems like we pay and pay and pay in this world, and by the time we pay it off, that new car smell, among other things, is long gone. In fact, once the car is really ours, it seems that's when the transmission needs to be replaced, new tires need to be bought, and the yearning for that new car smell is all we can think about. For many today it seems like even that new car smell experience is just a hopeful dream. Most people today are struggling to make ends meet, to take care of their own struggles, or to just make it through the week, or make it through the day.

That's why our faith in Jesus is so vital to our life. In the midst of this sinful, decaying, passing-away world comes a promise only God Himself can make: He will make all things new. And while that's exactly the opposite of our experience, that's the hope that makes life worth living now and forever. Jesus Himself tells us that "in this world, you will have trouble. But, take heart, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33b). Jesus Himself warns us about putting our trust in our riches, our power, our social position, because sinful people will always find a way to mess it all up.

Easter Sunday was not about wishful thinking in the face of this world's reality. No, it was about a promise of "all things new" that only God could make and He made that promise through the life, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus the Christ. Today is the day, not to yearn for that new car smell as wonderful as that can be for the moment. Today is the day for you and me to yearn for the reality of the promises of Jesus Christ that they might be the center of our lives by faith. He can and does make all things new. In Him, there is a new relationship with the God who loves you, forgives you, and makes you His own. That's a reality that never wears off, never runs down, and even brings joy in the midst of the day-to-day grind of this life!

THE PRAYER: Dear Jesus, help me to look to You in all things, especially when the things of this world seem to grow cold and gray, old and passing away. Help me realize that You are the One who came to bring life even then, eternal life that matters each and every day. Amen!