Today’s study and sermon is challenging, life-changing. We do not read the Bible expecting to change. We read and re-read and see the same things. We reinforce what we know, and fail to grow. Paul’s great text about reconciliation is 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. What do you see?
Newness is possible, but is not humanly generated or forced. Newness comes from God. We humans cannot forcibly eliminate the old, nor can we bring the newness of “all things”. Reconciliation demands newness. We want things to change without significant changes.
Reconciliation is related to grace. God is the reconciler, and that a free gift. Reconciliation is usually passive–we do not reconcile ourselves. We have limited our concept of reconciliation by the etymology of the English word–to make friends again. Reconciliation is much more. Reconciliation does bring the restoration of favor (consider the relationship between favor and grace), but cannot reestablish relationship by ignoring the breaking points.
Reconciliation involves transformation. Read the text again. God is changing things continually, moving toward his ultimate plan and purpose. Human beings can refuse to be changed. Humans, as creation of God with free-will, can limit God’s work. The question is not what makes us feel good, but what pleases God.
God is working to bring newness, grace, and transformation in my life. I can be changed if I will let him do his work in me–something most humans, and many Christians, refuse.