2 CORINTHIANS 5:17

2Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old one has gone, the new is nearby.

TO PONDER:

When I was reading this verse, I thought of the journey a caterpillar goes through before it leaves the cocoon to become a new creation, a beautiful butterfly or moth.

Its journey begins as it hatches from a minute sized egg, chewing its way out of the shell, this could be its first meal.  After hatching its only job is to eat and grow, whilst shedding their skin several times as they’re growing.  Once fully grown it forms a chrysalis/cocoon in which its body completely changes.  Finally, it emerges as a beautiful butterfly or moth … a new creation.

We can compare our journey with the journey of the caterpillar.  Our old self – virtually ‘chewing’ our way through life, just hanging in there working in our own strength.  Going through this change or metamorphosis represents the “death to self”, leaving the past behind.  A change of attitude, the renewing of the mind, causing a deep internal change. The old has gone, let go of the old ideas which are usually dominated by worldly desires and sins.   A new creation emerges, learning to be different, a different identity.

PRAYER: Dear Lord thank you for my life, and that through your grace and faith I have been made a new creation in Christ. Thank you for your words of encouragement throughout the Bible.  When I face the trials and anxieties of this world, I ask that you help me to not lose heart. Remind me that my time here on earth is temporary, but what I have an eternal home in heaven, not constructed by human hands. AMEN

Today's devotion written by Noeline Brock, LifeWay Online