Friday 10 July, 2020

11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! 12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. 14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to[b] the Israel of God. 17 From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

I saw the cutest photo of a new baby recently. It brought to mind the vulnerability and newness of a new little one – new skin, new nails, new experiences, a new start!

Paul’s focus in this final section of his letter is on grace which makes all things new. A new creation in Christ. “What counts is the new creation” – v15. I believe this is because becoming a new creation in Christ brings us into a whole new relationship with God and the world. Grace saves, the law condemns. Grace brings life, the law brings death.

The grace of God makes all things new.

I am reminded of 2 Corinthians 5 verse 17. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here.”

After lockdown and changes, and for many people loss of some kind, this is an amazing message. God is about restoration, new beginnings. When I walk with him, new beginnings are possible in all areas of my life – in relationships, attitudes, priorities, provision, dreams. When I trust God, he opens my eyes and heart to new possibilities. Where I only saw defeat, or rejection, he brings new hope, new opportunities.

It doesn’t matter where we have come from, what we have done, what baggage we are dragging behind us, God is about making things new, about bringing restoration of his creation – that means you and me.

Dear Lord Jesus, you are the great restorer, bringing broken people back to you, back to life. Even though I have been walking with you for many years, I need your restorative work every day in my life. Dear Lord, show me what needs to be made new. Amen

Written by Claire Moore