September 27: Made New

 Made New

2 Corinthians 5:17 - “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Evelyn Linton (Kings Seventh-day Adventist Church)

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This summer I had the privilege of visiting a new location. I took advantage of the opportunity for new experiences and decided to try, for the first time, a large roller coaster with double inverted loops. Let me assure you, it was my first and last time. I’ve never ever thought it logical to defy the laws of nature and travel at break-neck speed while hanging upside down and surrendering control to a machine. But I wanted to try something new. Well, that took more than faith, and the residual headache reminded me why I prefer to keep my feet on the ground.

Novelty is usually exciting, especially for the adventurous adrenaline junkies among us. However, is this what Jesus meant when He told us “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” or that all things will be made new?

Admittedly, while the memory of novel earthly experiences may linger, the adrenaline rush of the moment is fleeting and will not sustain us during the daily grind and stressors of life.

These new experiences and adrenaline rushes will never fill the God-shaped vacuum in our souls, the holes in our relationships, finances, or health.

Are you looking for something new and lasting today? Thankfully, God offers just what we need. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” A new state- a new “creation”; not just a temporary thrill. The experience results in a permanent transformation, and the effects of the new life He gives sustains us during life’s challenges. Why? We are “in Christ”.

The word ‘in’ in this passage means “a fixed position in place, time or state”. It also means “to give oneself wholly to”. Therefore, the text could be understood to say “If anyone remains in a fixed position in Christ and gives oneself wholly to Him”, he is a NEW creation.” What a wonderful promise! We cannot be in the presence of God and remain the same.

Do you long for a new experience or to see your situation through new eyes- God’s perspective? Today is not too late to ask Him to make your life new.

What would you like God to make new today?

Have you grown up with an incorrect perception of who you are because of the intentional or unintentional errors of parents, teachers, or other adults who were entrusted to care for you? God can make you new and restore your identity as a valuable member of His family.

Are you struggling with sin, like the woman at the well, or Mary? God enjoys and specializes in transforming lives like these from prostitute to prophetess.

Are you struggling with a persistent health condition like the woman with the issue of blood? God made her life new through her touch of faith. He can do the same for you.

Whatever the old hurt, void or lack, God has the resources to fill and make us new if we remain in a fixed position in Him and give ourselves wholly to Him.

He assures us today: “… old things have passed away; behold, ALL things have become new.”

PRAYER:

Dear Lord,

We thank you for the beautiful plans you have for our lives; plans to recreate us; plans to restore our true identities as members of your royal family. Please hold us close to you because we cannot remain in you by our own strength or effort. Please open our hearts to desire to surrender totally to you so that your plans for us can be fulfilled. We give you all our old stuff and look forward to the new permanent peace and power of abiding in your presence, in Jesus’ name. Amen.