(2 Corinthians 5:14-18)
This month we look forward to the first day of spring on Tuesday, March 20th and I cannot wait! Don’t get me wrong I enjoy a good snow day; however, I am not a big fan of cold weather. We look forward to spring for many reasons, warmer weather, the sun shining a little longer each day, not having to wear bulky clothes and outdoor activities are just few reasons we may look forward to spring.
For me, in addition to warmer temperatures, it is the feeling of things being made new. Think of it… God’s creation was lying dormant during the cold days of winter and in the spring it comes to live and it is made new!
This display of creation helps us to see the work of God in our own lives when we come to recognize the love of God. We were dead in our trespasses and sins. Our lives were cold and dark without Christ, but this passage reminds us in verse 17, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW CREATION; the old things have passed away; behold new things have come.”
Think back to the time before you came to know Christ. What was your life like before Jesus? Was it something like the cold dark days of winter? Remember, though, when you placed your faith and trust in Jesus how that the darkness was turned to light. In this passage we also see that “one (Jesus) died for all.”
When Christ died on the cross He died for every man, woman, boy and girl! (John 3:16) His death can bring light and life to any person who believes in Him.
God’s act of creating all things reminds me of the passage in Isaiah 43: 18-19 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Every time a person comes to Christ, the old passes away and God does a “new thing” in their lives. The new thing is the abundant life that Christ gives. Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Abundant life is enjoying peace, power and purpose in Christ!
Revelation 21:5 says also “And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” God is in the business of making all things new in the lives of people who trust in Him and it is glorious to watch the Gospel transform lives.
Spring is wonderful because it reminds us of God’s work of making things new. As we think about spring there is one other reason to look forward to spring and it is this, spring is when we celebrate the glorious resurrection of Jesus! Talk about making things new. Jesus was dead for three days and His disciples had given up hope. But on the third day He came to life again and this glorious event is a picture of what God does in the life of every person who comes to Him. You were dead and now in Christ, you are a new creation.
One other insight from our passage today is in 2 Corinthians chapter 5 verse 18, “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” Not only has Christ come and died for us, not only did He rise again, not only does He make us a new creation… He also gives us the privilege of telling others about His great love and sacrifice. He gives us the ministry of reconciliation.
You are a vital partner in this ministry so let’s continue tell the good news of Christ and how He makes “all things new.”
Your Friend in Christ,
Jonathan Falwell