URC Daily Devotion 1 January 2024

From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way.  So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!  All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation;  that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself,  not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.

Reflection

Dare we hope for new beginnings in this new year? Reviewing the past year, as several television programmes did last night, reminds us of the broken world we live in and the countless people struggling simply to survive in the face of wars and climate disaster. But we are people of good news – and that good news is of new beginnings – each person in Christ a new creation. We’re not called to a few New Year’s Resolutions that will be swiftly swept under the carpet before January is out but a whole life of radiant newness and a ministry of reconciliation so other people can find love and forgiveness – with God, with themselves, and with other people.

It’s a costly ministry and where hatred and fear have the upper hand, often unwanted and unwelcome. If we want peace on earth, maybe it’s time we rolled up our sleeves and started the work as close to home (and church) as we dare – not counting their trespasses against them.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, arm your people with love, equipping them for your ministry of reconciliation and new beginnings wherever they find themselves. Heal us, Lord Jesus: our families, our churches and our world. Amen.