2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Scripture Insights
Who doesn’t like brand-new things? When I was a child, our family could rarely afford to purchase new items. We drove used cars, wore secondhand clothes, and frequented garage sales to find well-loved household items. While it was all new to me and even appeared clean, everything seemed to give off an aroma that indicated it hadn’t just come off the assembly line.
Every once in a while, my parents splurged for something new, and I developed a joy for the scent of new things—new carpet, new tires, fresh lumber, and yes, even a love for that new-car scent. I know, it’s weird. But since I only ran across new things every now and then, I learned that you can tell if something is truly new by the aroma it gives off, since looks can be deceiving.
As I reflect on the redemptive work of Christ in the lives of those of us who surrender everything to him, I am reminded that we are not simply changed; new creation has burst forth. “The old is gone!” It is not as if we are cleaned up and passed off as new, where the stench of our old ways gives off an aroma of detachment from the work of Jesus. We are made new, and a fresh aroma that pleases the Lord and blesses others is released into the world in a way that just might bring more people to Jesus so they can experience themselves being made new as well.
Today’s Prayer
Oh Lord, may our lives in you give off an aroma that is consistent with your character as those who have been made new by your grace and redemptive work so that others will be compelled to give their lives to you and also become a new creation.
—Darren Reed
Lead Pastor, One Hope Church of the Nazarene (Colorado)
