for 2010 ...
A new beginning with new challenges and new opportunities. There is something very exciting about things that are new.
Newness is a theme we often find in Scripture.
In Jeremiah 31 v 31-37 we have a promise of something new.
God promised a New Covenant.
Under the Old Covenant, Israel was required to obey the perfect law of God - but they found it to be impossible. Time and time again, they failed to obey God's law.
In Jeremiah, God promised something new - a New Covenant.
Under this New Covenant, God would put his law in their minds, he would write it on their hearts.
In Ezekiel 36 v 26 that promise is developed.
God would give them a new heart so that they could obey his law.
Hebrews
9 v 15ff tells us how that New Covenant was to be achieved.
It was through Christ. Christ opened up for us "a new and living
way" to God.
See what 'new things' God has given to those in Christ.
In 1 Peter 1 v 3 we find that God has given us new birth.
Acts 5 v 20 tell us that we have been given new life.
2 Corinthians 5 v 17 describe believers as new creations.
In Christ we have a 'new attitude of mind' - Ephesians
4 v 23. Our new purpose is one of godliness and holiness.
In 2 Peter 3 v 13 we look forward to a new heaven and new earth
and to singing that new song - Revelation 14 v 3.
So, this New Year - when we especially think of new beginnings, remember that our God has said,
"I am making everything new"
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Revelation 21 v 1-5.
As you
look forward to this new year, with all its new challenges and new opportunities,
don't forget that in Christ you are a new creation.
Look forward to the time when you will sing that new song in a glorious new heaven and earth.
