Change Lives
Daily Scripture
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
17 So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!
18 All of these new things are from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and who gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 19 In other words, God was reconciling the world to himself through Christ, by not counting people’s sins against them. He has trusted us with this message of reconciliation.
20 So we are ambassadors who represent Christ. God is negotiating with you through us. We beg you as Christ’s representatives, “Be reconciled to God!” 21 God caused the one who didn’t know sin to be sin for our sake so that through him we could become the righteousness of God.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
It’s Resurrection’s 35th anniversary, and the church’s vision is still “to be used by God to change lives, strengthen churches, and transform the world.” * God so changed the apostle Paul’s life that he called it a “new creation.” As a young man he fiercely opposed early Christians. In today’s passage, he said Jesus’ death forgave him (and us) because “God was reconciling the world to himself through Christ.” Paul said it’s as if God wipes away everything old and gives you a completely fresh start.
- Have you, like most of us, moved away from God at some time(s) in your life? When you create that gap, do you picture God as angry with you and out to punish, as indifferent to you and distant, or as eager to bridge the gap? As The Message paraphrase put it, “We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you.” ** Who do you know who needs to hear that good news (quite possibly from you)?
- You can read in Acts 9:1-20 about the encounter with Jesus that changed Saul’s life. He went from “spewing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples” to being the apostle who wrote, “The love of Christ controls us…. All of these new things are from God…. If anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation.” In what ways is Christ’s love changing how you see yourself and how you live each day as God’s “new creation”?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, God was reconciling the world (the world that includes me) to himself through you. Shape me into a transparent, winning beacon of the message that God loves us all. Amen.
GPS Insights
Katy Nall
Katy Nall, who serves as the Program Director of Missions for Resurrection West, wrote today's Insights. She is a mom of two and loves to be outside in the sunshine, especially if it involves mountains or ocean. She loves hiking, reading, learning, and connecting.
When Paul talks about being a “new creation,” I can tell you from personal experience that he does not mean that you wake up one morning and you are suddenly perfect. If only it were that easy! It’s more like when your laptop goes through an update—it has the same stickers and scratches, but it has a new operating system. Things that didn’t work before start working better–but you have to relearn where everything is. Being a new creation means we have accepted God’s grace, had a change of heart, and want to live in a way that helps us move toward God’s love, peace, healing, and reconciliation.
In the iconic Disney movie, The Lion King, Simba runs away after his father dies. He is carrying unbearable guilt and shame, convinced his father’s death was his fault—so much so that he spends years avoiding the life he’s meant to live. But then a couple of great pep talks and show stopping tunes remind him of who he really is. Simba chooses to go back, face his past, and step into his place as king. This is *exactly* what God does with us. God never leaves us wandering in shame. He calls us back and invites us to restoration. The Bible even says he “crowns us” with loving kindness! We are reminded that walking the path that leads to him will lead us to our best selves every single time. Every time we respond, we step into the joy and peace he’s always offering. It’s a celebration!
As Resurrection celebrates 35 years of ministry, I’m reminded that this church itself is a “new creation” story, in so many ways. We are a community constantly being remade by grace. Every invitation to belong, every moment we choose real relationship, each time someone senses belonging here—that’s Resurrection life! Where is God inviting you to step into being your own “new creation”? Think through some examples of how God already has changed your life and made YOU a new creation!
© 2025 Resurrection: A United Methodist Church. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
References
* From About Resurrection – Resurrection Church.
* 2 Corinthians 5:20 in Peterson, Eugene H. The Message Numbered Edition Hardback. Navpress. Kindle Edition.
