June 6 | 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

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DAILY READING

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

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REFLECTION

Making All Things New

by Judy Webb

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; the old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)

Because of the Ministry of Reconciliation, we are a new creation. Because of the Message of Reconciliation, we are forgiven, and we receive the invitation to eternity. We become the righteous of God; our sins are forgiven and forgotten. The distance between God and us is annulled.

What Good News is this? In a time when we are bombarded with overwhelmingly bad news on all sides, we have a different encouraging headline each day. “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us...” (verse 21a) Our sins were placed on Him, not in Him.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1)

Sometimes, after having been sick for a week or so, we wake one morning and find we feel so much better. Our stomach isn't doing flip-flops or that painful ankle seems to be functioning perfectly once again. We feel new and fresh. It always feels great to feel good once again. Can you relate? Have you ever experienced this renewed feeling?

There is a similar feeling, only even more powerful, when we accept Christ into our lives. There is an Easter morning feel to things. There is joy, a new outlook on life. There is freedom and clarity and a sense of "I'm not alone." And all this is true. Recognizing Jesus is our Savior awakens a new life, a guilt free way to live. Do you know this feeling?

Do you feel like a new creation? Do you act like it? Walking away from our old ways and embracing all that is good, shaking off bad habits and practicing a new life, is refreshing. It isn’t easy to change, to turn totally around and reject things of yesterday. A new day is here, a new creation is your life now that you know Jesus and accept His salvation and practice your faith every day.

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, what a wonderful thing, to be a new creation. Thank you that we can confess to you and know we are forgiven. We can feel like each day is new and You are with us always. Being a new creation instills hope and love and joy into our lives. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.