It is the beginning of a new school year. At our church we are kicking off a new Sunday School Season along with Adult Bible Studies. National Back to Church Sunday is September 21. This is an exciting time of the year for new starts.
I’m reminded of 2 Corinthians 5:17:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
This passage speaks about renewal. We are in constant need of this. We are encumbered by the weight of the world. We are troubled by mistakes and failures of the past. Sometimes we feel as if we are at a dead end with no way out.
It’s easy to live with regret. We wish we could go back and change the past. We wish we could do things differently. Unfortunately, we can’t go back in time. Time travel is something left for the fantasy world.
This is why renewal is so important. Renewal does not change the past, but it gives a fresh start. Renewal keeps the past in the past and focuses on the here and now. Paul further says in 2 Corinthians:
“In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV)
Today is a day to make a fresh start. Renewal comes now through relationship with Jesus. It doesn’t say if anyone tries harder for Christ. It doesn’t say if anyone learns more about Christ. It doesn’t say if anyone sings more passionately for Christ. It doesn’t say if anyone has the T-shirt with Christ’s logo. What 2 Corinthians says is that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation.
The invitation is to walk with him. It is to rest in him. It is to trust in him. It is to receive his acceptance and love. The renewal that Christ brings is about taking off the self-imposed burdens that weigh us down. So many of us are filled with anxiety to produce results. We believe the answer is in working harder and smarter. We think we must shoulder the burden when Jesus is extending the invitation to carry it for us.
The calling of Christ is to take his yoke.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29–30 (ESV)
The calling of faith is to leave the results to God. Give up, let go, surrender. Stop trying so hard. Make a new start and trust in Jesus. Renewal is not so much about changing our circumstances as it is about changing our attitude. It is about changing our perspective. Renewal is about seeing the world around us from God’s perspective rather than ours. When that happens you will be amazed at what he does.
Tami says
As always thank YOU so much for sharing the truths of the Bible… Our Pastor, here in California, was also preacing a similiar message recently. Let It Go…. we have to look forward and leave our past where it is… in the past. Have a blessed week and I can’t wait to here you again next week 😉 Tami
Beth Saltalamacchio says
Just what I needed to hear. Thank you!
Jason Lennon says
It’s not easy letting go of the past. It can be tough staying positive about the future. There is so much strife and conflict globally. We are 6 years removed from a massive financial crisis that has really never left us.
For me I just try to and focus on the here and now. Be happy, grateful, thankful, for what we have and give what you can to others. I remember a clear as that 9.11.01 day. It was a sunny, crisp morning at 6:30am when I was walking up 34th st to work in NYC. A few hours later our lives were changed, and I remember vividly that night when I came home my wife said “would things ever be the same again?”… and here we are, it seems we are back to where we were. We can overcome, we can change, we can renew. But we can never forget.