April 18, 2023. Reflections on “New Creation!”

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19.

        How many new beginnings happen in a lifetime? What happens when we begin again? One day a sixth grade student asked asked, ‘When did God begin?’ I prayed, and said four words – In the beginning God… A look of understanding came over his face, and I praised God.

        In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth; the earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Genesis 1:1-3.

         My passion was reading stories. Little did I know then we write the story of our lives, one page each day. As time progressed, I desired to turn the page to a new day, and then learned this from His Word: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore, I will hope in Him.” Lamentations 3:22-24.

        Then came a new beginning heralded by Angels to the shepherds in the field and the Star in the East. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made.  In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5.

       Who is this Jesus? “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17. Idle words? No, These are Life-changing eternal words.

       What assurance do we have we belong to Jesus? And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called, He also justified, and those whom He justified, He also glorified. Romans 8:28-30.

       Is life always easy? These verses give us an alternative. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. Hebrews 12:9-10.

        But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”  I Peter 1:15-16.

         What does God’s testing of our faith bring? Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4.

         “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples, if youhave love for one another.” John 13:34-35.
          The following verse tells us what we are to desire in our lives. No place in God’s Word does it indicate a new house, a new car, new clothes or furniture or wealth! Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14.

         Does Jesus change His mind every day? Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. Hebrews 13:8-9. We can depend on Jesus forever.

      The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord, your labor is not in vain. I Corinthians 15:56-58.

      He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:3.

         This is the glory of our Savior, and Salvation, our Redeemer in the last chapter of Revelation, ending with “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” Revelation 22:20b.

       “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Revelation 22:12-13.

         God will not forget us. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me. Isaiah 49:16.