You’ll get a brand-new name
straight from the mouth of GOD.
2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 (MSG)
Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life emerges!
SUMMARY SENTENCE
Christ is in the renewal business.
DAILY FODDER
I do like the Common English Bible's rendering of 2 Corinthians 5:17. It captures a nuance embedded in the message that we sometimes miss, "So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation." When Christ renews us it is an aspect of his greater mission of renewing all creation. Only renewed individuals will be able to function in the new creation. So when Christ makes you new he is investing in the future.
PRAYER
Redeemer God, we humans have messed up your beautiful creation in ways that we don't understand. Yet, you are in the process of restoring and renewing it all. Thank you for what Jesus did when he came, died, and rose again. I want to be a part of the new creation. Make me into a new person from head to toe so that I can participate in it. You're the only one who can make this happen so I am putting my trust in you. Amen.
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.