This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Spring has sprung, and with that, a time of transformation, both in nature and in our lives. Many people are preparing for graduations, weddings, and many other festive occasions. Others are in a season of significant life changes, such as welcoming a baby, starting a new job, or buying a home. Major life changes happen to everyone, but for Christians, the most important life change we experience is in being born again. For me, this is the most important life change we can choose to make. To be born again is an also a new beginning - a spiritual rebirth. Accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and having a personal, obedient relationship with Him, brings about profound transformation.
It reminds me of the story of Saul’s (Paul) personal encounter with Christ, found in Acts chapter 9. Saul was changed immediately in this experience. Prior to this moment, he was known for threatening and persecuting the Lord's followers. As he was approaching Damascus with the intent of arresting men and women who were disciples and bringing them back to Jerusalem in chains, he encountered a light from heaven and heard a voice saying, Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting Me?
Saul fell to the ground and asked who was speaking and he heard, I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Jesus then told him, Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do. The men who journeyed with Saul were speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. When Saul rose from the ground and opened his eyes, he saw no one - he was blind. He was led by hand into Damascus and remained there three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
The Lord spoke to a disciple at Damascus named Ananias and instructed him to go to the home of a man named Judas to inquire of Saul. He was to lay hands on him so he could see again. Ananias expressed concern, knowing how Saul had been harming God’s people. The Lord reassured Ananias and told him that Saul would be used as His instrument to bring His message to Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel. Ananias was obedient to what the Lord asked him to do, and he laid hands on Saul saying that the Lord sent him so that he would regain his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. In an instant something like scales fell off Saul’s eyes and he received his sight at once, then he arose and was baptized. He stayed in Damascus for several days and then immediately began preaching Christ in the synagogues. Saul’s name was changed to Paul and his conversion became a catalyst for the expansion of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Major life events shape our personal history, yet the decision to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and commit to following Him obediently alters our eternal destiny, a thought I ponder often. Everyone should experience a new beginning in Christ because it changes everything! Our daily life should now be lived in a such a way to bring honor and glory to Him, which is why I pray for the Holy Spirit to help me, asking Him to work through me and shape me daily, as I surrender to God’s will.
So, in this season of Spring, of new beginnings, ponder your own life with Christ. As it says in the verse above, The old life is gone; a new life has begun! What actions will you take to reflect your new beginning as a child of God?
May this bless you today,
Amy
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