The Ultimate Fixer Upper 

By Rob Nieminen

“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’”—Revelation 21:5 (NIV)

If you’ve ever watched the HGTV hit show Fixer Upper, you know that the husband-and-wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines specialize in buying run-down houses and turning them into their clients’ dream homes. There’s something amazing about watching the transformation of an old structure, that’s been in disrepair for years, into a structure that looks better than it did when it was first built. 

The reason I love the show and architectural restoration projects, in general, is because they mirror the story of God’s redemptive plan. You see, Jesus created a beautiful world for us to live in when He spoke it into existence. After sin was introduced in the Garden of Eden; however, death and decay marred and eroded God’s original design. But thankfully, He has a plan to fix what has broken, and there are several truths we see in today’s verse, Revelation 21:5, that should give us hope for today and for the future. 

First, let’s consider the location. Bible commentator David Guzik notes, “This is an authoritative announcement coming from the throne of God himself. This is one of the few times in Revelation where we clearly see God speaking directly from His throne.” This is a message to which God wants to draw our attention, it is a message we can count on because His words are true.

Next, Jesus tells us He is in the process of restoring things to a completely new condition. Notice here the use of the present participle “am making”. It means that while God’s work of renewal has begun, it’s ongoing and isn’t finished yet. It also suggests we can experience it in the here and now. In fact, the apostle Paul points out that “even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16 NKJV) and that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV). 

Finally, we see there’s no detail God will leave out at the renewal of all things. He says he’s making “everything” new. So, when John sees " a new heaven and a new earth" earlier in the chapter, it means everything contained in them will be perfect and unblemished—including you and me!

As we enter this new year, I pray we take time to thank God for the redemptive work He is doing in our lives.  Let us look forward to that day when His ultimate fixer-upper will be revealed in all its glory!

DIG: In what area(s) of your life has God done a complete overhaul? What still needs repair or renovation? 

DISCOVER: Why is it significant that God’s throne is mentioned in today’s verse of Scripture?  

DO: As you consider making New Year’s resolutions, prayerfully ask God what His blueprints for your life look, and how He’d like to renovate your life in the year ahead.