New Life in Christ

At Christmas time, we had purchased a poinsettia for the church. Towards the end of December, we took that plant home. I wanted to keep it going until spring and plant it outside. I didn’t water it as faithfully as I should, although I’m not sure it would make a lot of difference. Red leaves started drying up and falling off. My wife would ask to throw it away, but I would just add more water. I noticed about a week ago that it has a bunch of new leaves popping out. Its success had nothing to do with my great care. In spite of me, it is growing and I think will make a beautiful plant this summer. What a beautiful picture that is of our relationship with God. Isaiah talks about “a bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out”. God is not in the business of destroying lives...He came to save lives. Many, if not most people, would have given up on that plant. Even if there was a glimpse of new life, it would take too much time and it would not look beautiful for quite a while. There are many Christians that fall and the “beauty” they once held is gone. Maybe they were caught in adultery, had a divorce, lost a job, struggled with health issues, or got on the bad side of the wrong person. We may say we care, but how do our actions show that? Do we try to help them get back on their feet again or are we OK with them falling away from the church, the family, the community, etc. Truthfully, our churches should be filled with people that are hurting, wounded, and ignored. They deserve to be loved and cared for too. Just as my watering and the sunshine are bringing new life to my plant, God is able to bring new life into others. Wait a second. Who needs this new life? Just the outcast? No! We all are in need of this new life that is offered through Jesus. As we surrender to the King of kings, we find that His work on the cross washes all who come to Him in faith. He renews us, restores us, and empowers us to represent Him wherever we go. This new life is in Christ. You might say it is for all who are born again. His mercies are new every morning. God’s family is not filled with the rich and famous. Many of the rich are trusting in their own power. It is the sick and wounded that truly need spiritual hospitals. Who is God calling you to nurture and encourage today. Holy Spirit, there are so many that are wounded and so few that are there to love them. Use us to reach the lost. Amen