Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Jesus Christ Who Transforms


2 Corinthians 5:17-21

 “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” - v. 17

Devotion

In the beginning of this passage it starts off with identifying a human transformation. It tells us that if anyone is in Christ, they are no longer considered human. Rather they are a new creation and all the old has gone away. This passage also identifies the aspect of reconciliation many times. Reconciliation is understood as a reunion or restoration of friendly relations. It is said that Christ was sent from God to reconcile the world to himself. God was basically sending his son to ‘reunite’ with the world. He wants us to understand that all things are a creation of God and there's nothing to achieve; rather we must reunite ourselves with the creation of God. He also reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, we as humans didn’t choose to reconcile with God, but because of his mercy we are reconciled to him through his Son. God has also given us the ministry of reconciliation. He hasn’t just reconciled with us and left, rather he has given us this ministry which we must use to its fullest. God expects us to reunite with his creation and bring them closer to him. He doesn’t expect us to fully follow his creation and make sure they follow Him, rather he wants us to reunite the Word of God with them and God will do the rest.

 

    Towards the end of the passage it states that we are ambassadors for Christ. An ambassador is like a representative, although he doesn’t speak under his own authority, he is still honored through the person he is sent by. Paul says that we are all ambassadors of Christ and we must behave in a way that we are viewed like God. We are expected to live a life pleasing to him and portray his characteristics. God placed us here on his earth to represent Him, and it is important for us humans to strive for this. Paul also says that Christ who knew no sin was introduced to this earth for our sake. He was “made of sin” because of our own shortcomings. We are the righteousness of God because he sent his Son here to take over our sins. It is considered the ultimate exchange because God gave us his righteousness in exchange for our sin. In the same way, let us take his righteousness and use it to glorify His name. 


 
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son here on this earth to bear our sins. You have given us your righteousness, although we aren’t worthy and we are forever grateful. Please give us strength to abide by your Word, and honor your grace. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the Day
“True reconciliation does not consist in merely forgetting the past.” - Nelson Mandela
 
Jason Mathew
Epiphany Mar Thoma Church

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