What is a “new creation?” Am I one? Are you?
“…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV).
Who Gets What?
Backgrounds. Everyone has them. They are the backdrop of our todays, the backstory of our narrative.
Some people seem to get all the breaks, and others all the rough stuff.
But have you ever noticed how the outcome can be all twisted up? How worst histories can produce amazing people, and how best pasts can yield rotten consequences?
Father’s Day reminds us of our roots. For me it brings a sense of gratitude. It might bring something different for you. And how does it all tie in with the “new creation” of being in Christ?
The greatest value in a holiday which recognizes our earthly fathers is to point us to the amazing grace and mercy which is ours because of our Heavenly Father.
When the Apostle Paul penned, “…The old has passed away; behold, the new has come…” He had backstory.
What’s Your Backstory?
Born Saul of Tarsus, he was a Roman Jew and radically opposed to the Christian movement. His background pitted his religious fervor against the very One who came to save him from it. Zealous to protect his beliefs, Paul became accomplice to murder. He consented and was present to the stoning of Stephen, the first martyr for Christ.
But background’s fabric, is an offering, not a definition.
Paul’s radical transformation from a background steeped in tradition and arrogance, didn’t come without pain. His conversion surrendered all he’d known, believed, and lived for. It tore apart what had been, with prejudice, predisposition, and DNA, to make way for what he would become.
Stripped of pride in his old identity, Christ birthed a new heritage within Paul. Despite where he’d come from, God specifically designed his past for his future. The gospel, through Paul, denuded of self-righteousness, spread to the Gentiles. When Paul immersed himself in the saving grace of Jesus, his focus completely changed. He gave up the old and embraced his true Father.
Physically sightless Paul emerged from confrontation with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus with cleared spiritual vision.
Paul Became a New Creation.
Paul’s conversion birthed a new creation.
He met a Chain Breaker, a Focus Changer, New Hope, and a Welcoming Father.
“…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…”
Had Paul’s background check been different, his credit report spotless, surely the power of his testimony would have also altered. But Paul’s heavenly Father chose to call him His own child.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed…” John 8:36(ESV)
We wonder at backgrounds at times, our particular rocky road. Yet, we can have confidence, God is Master of what’s gone before, as well as what is ahead. In my backstory, I see a heavenly Father’s plan for me. Father’s Day reminds us of our real Father whose Sovereignty is complete, perfect and marvelously higher than we can comprehend.
I have been privileged to have had a earthly father who pointed me to my heavenly One. I enjoy remembering him in his chair with the Bible open on his lap. I am happy thinking of his strong baritone singing hymns. His memory walks with me through wheat fields, and stops at Dairy Queens for a cone. I see him in remembrances and am grateful.
Background’s fabric, is an offering, not a definition.
Our heavenly Father’s hand has directed our backstories, and His love is woven into its tapestry. Transforming arms invite us to step inside and trust He knows best.
Discussion
Loading comments...