MAY 1 | GALATIANS 2:20
- Judy Webb
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
A New Leaf
by Judy Webb
‘I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
The verse is confusing at first glance and somewhat difficult to grasp even after studying it and perusing various commentaries. But now, when I examine the verse and put it into perspective, I recall my own conversion, and it begins to make sense.
To me, this is about turning over a new leaf. I know from personal experience that it is never too late to start over and become the person you have always wanted to be. I also know I cannot do it on my own. The main ingredient in this recipe for personal change is Christ. More specifically, Christ in me. This means I am now guided by the Spirit of Christ, living within me. My sinful nature has been overcome.
The moment we submit to Christ, when I call out in desperation for Him to help, he begins a new work in us, and life is never the same. There is a new desire for goodness, for love and fellowship. He makes all things new; we are living a new life in Him! While we are still in the world and struggle with temptation of our own flesh, we do so now by faith in Christ.
This conscious choice to trust and obey begins a new season, a new life with Jesus. His Word becomes food and nourishes our souls with a transformative power. Christ becomes our new identity. What is more, “the more we see Christ clearly in the Word, the more we are changed into His image”. –John Piper
PRAYER
Dear Jesus,
Give us a desire to embrace the text from Galatians 2:20. Reveal the power to be had when we give up our old selves and grab a hold of You. There is no greater thing than to start over, begin again new and refreshed. Give us all a picture of what it looks like to have Christ in Me. Amen.
Find additional "Dying to Live" study materials designed for small groups or individual use here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JUDY WEBB
I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.
Right on!!
This text seems consistant with scripture- having sung Psalm 51 much of my early life it comes to mind...create in me a clean heart O God....