The Possibility of Something New
If you’re watching the news, its apparent that in this shrinking world, some things are not working well. In fact, some things are deathly wrong and cry for attention, repair, healing.
One thing that academics are called to do is to think new thoughts and come up with new ideas that address such pain—whether they are policy researchers, work in a medical lab, or study the prophetic role of art.
But is anything truly
new
possible?
Easter is testimony to resurrection of the dead—something truly fresh and new rising from the ashes. In Jesus Christ we witness a bright and glorious morning after a few days of deep darkness and despair. Some doubt its possible, including the disciples of that day. It seems preposterous, unbelievable: life after death.
If you think about it, however, this is not the first time such a miraculous morning came out of nowhere. Resurrection is a mirror of an earlier inspiration, one we call creation. In fact, the redemption Christ offers is a renewal of creation, the launching of re-creation—new life for all creatures.
So when you read the news on the internet, and you feel like it's old news, bad news, the same awful story playing out again and again, take heart. We can have hope. The good news is that Jesus Christ, God-made-flesh, has risen from the dead, a graphic re-enactment of the first new beginning. Yes, new things—new ideas, new policies, new treatments, new stories are possible. History has shown us that history is not locked in endless repetition. History is not pre-determining. There is always a chance for a new start.
You’ll read below about some new things springing from our humble corner of God’s world. Its good to know we serve a God who declares, “Behold, I am making all things new!” (Rev. 21:5)
- Dr. Peter Schuurman, Executive Director
