All Things New: Hope for a New YearSample

Here it is, the verse we’ve all been waiting for. The heavy-hitter of the “All Things New” canon, 2 Corinthians 5:17. You’ll read it in context in a minute, but here it is for the sake of our devotional discussion:

“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being!” (NRSV)

Ah, what a passage. Everything old has passed away! It’s gone! The old you stayed in last year—the new you is here and blessed by God!

You’ve been reconciled. Your trespasses are forgotten and your sins are forgiven. Now you get the glorious job of representing Jesus to the rest of the world … and what a job that is!

You don’t have to live for yourself any more! You get to live for someone bigger, brighter, bolder, and braver than you ever were on your own. You get to live your life for Jesus, to walk in those new steps, and to shine the joy of Christ’s sunshine everywhere you go.

What a life!

It’s a new year and thanks to God, you are a new you. What could be better?

How will you represent Jesus to the world this week? Think through some ways you can do that, and then go do them! Rejoice in your newness! The old has gone; the new has come!

Let’s pray.

Jesus, thank You for making me new! Help me shine Your light to the world today and forever, so that everyone can see You shining out of me. You’ve been so good to me! I love You so much. Amen.

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This reading plan was brought to you by Hope is Alive Ministries. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or substance abuse, know that God has made all things new and that there are resources available to you. Visit the HIA website at hopeisalive.net to learn more.