"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" - 2 Cor 5:17 (NIV).
There are many places world over where once you commit a certain offence you are marked for the rest of your life. Committing a felony like bulgarly, worse a sex related one, you then enter a register which potential employers can always check on when you submit in your application. The moment they discover that you have ever committed a listed crime then ends the conversation.
This is quite unfortunate for certain crimes are committed only out of ignorance or perhaps an act of desperation. There are also those who are framed for certain crimes. Yet only to be marked for the rest of life because of that lapse or just bad luck.
When Christ came he was not for those who had led a clean life and were condemned forever. As a matter of fact it was often the discarded and despised that he welcomed. When Jesus met and embraced Zacharias, the tax collector, people were shocked, "All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner" (Luke 19:7). But to the astonished crowds, "Jesus's answer was, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost" (vv 10).
It is the same Jesus who forgave a criminal besides him at the cross once he recognised him as God. "Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23: 42-43).
Society may reject one for good. However, there is a comfort that our Lord and Savoir is in the business of welcoming those who need a second chance. Today, whatever might be weighing on you, know that once you come to Jesus you are totally forgiven and can start happily afresh.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, I start the year with confidence, knowing my past is forgiven and with you I begin totally redeemed and saved, for your glory, this I pray in Jesus's name.
Related upcoming events
-
29/04/2024 - 30/04/2024 All day“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27)
One of the most moving Christian song ever written is, “Its well with my soul!” To hear it sung in cathedrals, concerts or at funerals, always leaves many with goose bumps. It has uplifted many through the most difficult of moments, soothing their weary spirit.
It’s coming into being in many ways show how God so often uses difficult situations to bless so many. In 1871 Horatio Spafford, was one of the wealthiest lawyers, based in Chicago. He was also a devout Christian, along with his wife Ann, and their four daughters. But early in 1871 came the Great Fire of Chicago that destroyed Spafford’s sizable investment.
Devastated from the loss, Spafford, seeking to recover, two years later, decided to go for a holiday in Europe. But at the last minute he was detained by business, letting Ann and his four daughters to proceed, hoping to join them. No sooner had they left when the ship in which they were had an accident and sank within minutes. All the four children drowned, though Anna survived.
Spafford on receiving the news decided to go and pick up Ann. As he got to the spot where the ship had sunk, in his despair came the words that have brought respite to so many, through generations. “When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul... Let this blest assurance control That Christ (yes, He has) has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well...With my soul..
It is well, it is well with my soul.”It is said as Ann saw her daughters going down, she said, “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand.” And, indeed, “It is well with my soul” was God’s gift to all of mankind through a tragedy.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of heaven, sometimes through tragedies, it is difficult to understand or appreciate the moment; but as the song goes, whatever the difficulty may be, “Its well with my soul” for you are with me, no matter! This I pray in Jesus’ name!
