Scripture says if you are in Christ, you are a new creation.
So,
are you?
A lawyer moved into a new community, hung out his
shingle, and buried himself in his new practice. In the morning and
evening, townspeople would watch him walk alone to his practice. His
head would hang, his shoulders would stoop, and always there was an
expression of sadness and sorrow upon his face.
One day the
lawyer did manage to confess to a Christian artist that when he was just
starting out, he had committed a grave error. Yesterday's sin was still
stalking him, even now.
The artist listened. He gave no guidance
or suggestions -- at least, not then.
Weeks later, he did invite
the lonely lawyer to see a new painting at his studio. The attorney
arrived for the viewing and was led to a portrait displayed by the
window. There he saw a picture of himself. It was himself, but it was
different. In the picture he was standing with his shoulders back, his
head lifted up, and a look of hope was shown in his smiling face.
Behind him, in the background of that picture, was a hill and on
that hill was an empty cross. At the foot of the cross had been placed
-- along with many others -- a great, heavy package.
Evidently,
at least according to the artist's intentions, he left his burden at the
cross and found something there that had changed him, that made him a
new creation.
The artist explained what he painted. He pointed
out the other packages. They were, he said, packages filled with the
sins and worries of others. One of those packages, he didn't say which,
had been his. The other boxes belonged to other Christians. They too had
left their packages at the cross.
The artist concluded his
one-man exhibition by sharing when Jesus is your Savior -- when your
sins are washed away -- you become a new creature.
Then the
artist left, leaving the lawyer some time to contemplate the picture.
Was this how God wanted him to look? Could he really leave his burdens
at Christ's cross? Would it be possible? And to all those questions, God
answered, "Yes." Yes, he could look different. He could be different.
His sins could be left at the cross.
This was more than a
possibility. It was a reality. That man, by the power of the Holy
Spirit, had become a new creature.
So, once again, are you a new
creature?
It is my prayer you are among those whose sins have
been left at the foot of the cross, that you are among the ones whom God
has forgiven and are a new creature living a life of prayer, praise and
thanksgiving to the Triune God, who has made your transformation an
accomplished fact.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks for
Jesus' sacrifice which saves. May I gladly leave my sins at His cross
and be made into a new creature. In His Name. Amen.
Pastor Ken
Klaus Lutheran Hour Ministries All rights reserved;
not to be duplicated without permission.
