Dash of Thought January 2026

God says: Behold, I make all things new! (Revelation 21:5)
An encouraging affirmation, the Bible quote of the year 2026! And apt at a time when so much is going haywire in the world. How good that God does not look away. How good that he has begun to reorganize things that have fallen into disarray – and to create shalom. With other words: to make the world whole and complete. "Behold, I make all things new!" He is at work, and he will complete what he has begun! Do we realize it? Do we dare to trust him?
While studying the Bible quote of the year 2026, I came across the following statement: "Behold, I make all things new! Join me." - Mmh, was my first thought, I should really take part in making everything new? All well and good, but no, this way, something too easily ends up on my to-do list, which only God is able to do and which is, after all, his work! I make new, says God!
My second thought: However, the invitation to join in is not wrong. According to Paul, are we not co-workers with God? We Methodists also emphasize this when we say that God's grace enables us to work with him. But this is somewhat abbreviated in this direct appeal.
At the very least, we must remember what Paul also says, namely that whoever belongs to Christ is already part of the new thing that God creates. Then things already look different. As transformed, new creatures, we are enabled to practice and participate ever better in what is close to God's heart, what his heart burns for, what he creates.
God makes all things new. As a new person with a transformed heart, who would not want to join in with their (limited) possibilities, follow Jesus on his path and - I quote from the vision statement of the worldwide UMC - "love boldly, serve joyfully, lead courageously"? Love boldly: Loving God from the heart and reaching out to and welcoming people, no matter who they are. Serve joyfully: To set out with the most vulnerable in mutual care. Lead courageously: Opposing structures of evil, injustice, and oppression and working for peace, justice, and reconciliation.
I sincerely hope that in the new year we will be so moved and inspired by God’s work that we will gratefully and joyfully participate wherever God is creating something new. Especially in those places where everything seems to remain the same.
 
Bishop Stefan Zürcher
 
 
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