In the midst of widespread feelings of helplessness and national hopelessness, a familiar Bible verse offers a profound anchor for those grappling with despair. "And He that sat upon the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new.' And He said unto me, 'Write, for these words are true and faithful.'" - Revelations 21:5. This divine promise invites deep contemplation about what "new" truly means from the perspective of the Creator of Heaven and Earth.
Redefining "New" in a World of Upgrades
For humanity, "new" often translates to mere upgrades of existing possessions—a new car, a new house, or a new relationship. These are essentially repetitions or facelifts of what we already know. However, envision the beginning of time when there was no concept of Earth, and suddenly, voila! The planet emerges with Adam and Eve exploring its wonders. That is genuine newness—a creation from nothingness.
Earth orbits the sun precisely where life can be sustained, a testament to this original newness. Yet, God's declaration of "Behold!" speaks of a newness at a divine level. It is not about acquiring a new house or even fleeing the Philippines for greener pastures abroad. It likely does not refer to a new world either, as our current world is ancient. This raises the question: what does this promised renewal entail?
Contrasting Divine Promises with Earthly Realities
Meanwhile, in Davao City, the less fortunate face harsh daily struggles. Many lack even a single plot of land to call their own, earning just enough to get by but insufficient for hospitalization. They spend countless hours waiting, hoping the Malsakait Center remains open before their turn arrives. Critics sneer at Davao City and its residents, dismissing the massive crowds of patients from across Mindanao who emerge smiling with zero billing as mere make-believe.
Silently, however, those yearning for a better life sneak in, rent houses, and build families within the community. Yet, these earthly challenges pale in comparison to God's grand promise of making all things new. This juxtaposition forces us to ponder: what is this newness, and how does it manifest?
Exploring Spiritual Maturity and Healing Teachings
In 2018, the author entered a pranic healing school where Master Danny shared that Grandmaster Choa Kok Sui, the founder, emphasized during his lifetime that the teachings were not even skin deep—there is more to uncover. This revelation parallels the concept of newness, prompting questions about what lies beyond the ability to heal without touch or drugs.
This school serves as a starting point, guiding practitioners step by step into a world untaught in regular education or mainstream religions. Interestingly, these teachings resonate with messages found in the Bible, Qur'an, Mahabharata, and Bhagavad Gita. Hebrews 6:1-3 reinforces this journey: "Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so."
The Path Forward: Waiting, Praying, and Studying
This scripture urges progression toward spiritual maturity, leaving behind basic teachings of death, faith, and healing. It invites exploration of what awaits in that mature state. The answer lies in a triad of actions: waiting patiently, praying fervently, and studying diligently. As individuals and communities navigate hopelessness, these practices offer a pathway to uncover the deeper newness promised in faith, bridging the gap between divine assurance and human experience in places like Davao City.
