A new creation (Week 5:4)

Topic: Week 5- Christ in us
Theme for 6 Weeks- Who is Jesus and what difference does it make?

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Is it, “There is a new creation!” or “he/she is a new creature?” (v. 17). While not to minimize the hard work of textual critics attempting to give us the best guess at the most accurate text, my answer is: both. The NRSV and NIV translate this differently.

My response: when Christ is “in us” or we are “in Christ,” there is a whole new creation! Yes! And, one is a new creation when Christ is in us. That is what can make the difference in how we seek to have our lives formed more in the likeness of Jesus, living it out in our personal lives, our families, among our friends, among and with the poor and suffering, and among those who push our buttons, who want to hurt us, who want to tear down instead of build up, i.e. our enemies.

I find Lewis Smedes’ words helpful in thinking about Christ in us and us being a new creature. “ ‘Christ within us’ is a reality of the new creation. Jesus Christ is Lord. The Lord is the Spirit. The Spirit is Christ in effective action within the present time, leading, enlightening, calling, and pulling us from within, shaping our lives to the pattern of Christ and His way. The power, or the Spirit, is at work within us and on us, in our inner man [being], in our hearts, ‘on our spirits.’ This is Christ within us.” (p. 133, Union with Christ)

This new creation is from God (v.18) and this is the work of God.

Without this, and I consider this a vital issue, we are merely trying to follow the teachings of Jesus on our own strength and without the power of the Spirit at work in us. But, with the Spirit, all things are possible.

We see it. And, it’s in ordinary folks like you and me. Yes, we see it in St. Francis, Mother Teresa, Dorothy Day, Desmond Tutu, Oscar Romero, Martin Luther King, Jr. But, sometimes that litany can almost paralyze us and not realize: “Christ in us” applies to all of us who surrender our lives to Jesus- ordinary folks like you…me.

Walk in that power that is shaping your life into the likeness of Jesus!

Question: What might the power of Christ in you do to make an impact in your sphere of influence?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you that I can live as a new creation because of your reconciling work. Make me an instrument of your reconciliation and love by the power of your presence within me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.