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God First, Man Second: New Year's Series

I think that we love the New Year because we have a romanticized view of what happens when the clock rolls over. We seem to think that we'll make some resolutions and everything will be rainbows and kittens. But then we wake up and realize that old acquaintances are not all forgotten.

Relationships that stunk the year before will still stink, unless, of course, we decide to do something about it. Consequences carry over, without caring to look at the calendar.

I think this leaves us with a despair that leaves us not wanting to try. Why bother, right? The New Year doesn't actually change anything. If we look closely, we'll realize that the New Year is really just a new day.

Sounds kind of discouraging, doesn't it? Well, hold on, because I am actually a big believer in a good night's sleep and a new day making a world of difference. In fact, I could be chief among those accused of romanticizing the New Year, a new month and even just one new day.

But for all the romantics out in the world, there is a day coming where things will be made new.

I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. ~Revelation 3:11-13

I know, I know, there are other verses later in Revelation that make us long for Jesus to come even more. I chose this one because the focus is clearly on Jesus. It is Jesus who brings the real action here. Jesus is coming. Jesus is making pillars. Jesus is writing the name son us.

What do we do? We hold on. Yes, we hold on to that which Jesus has given us. Oh, and we achieve total victory, but not in the Ninja Warrior sort of way. This victory has already been won by, you guessed it, Jesus.

So, celebrate this New Year. Aim high for resolutions and new goals. Romanticize if it helps you. But make sure you are focused on the right new day. And then...hold on.

How do you handle the New Year? Does a new day make a difference for you?
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