April 1, 2025

Today's Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 43:1-28; Mark 12:13-27

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Some people are good at making things with their hands. They build birdhouses or buildings; they shape bowls from clay; they paint and draw and create. Then, there’s me. I’m not good at any of those things. My reality is that I make something, and then I try to remake it with no success, and then I give up. I destroy the ugly, imperfect project because I don’t want anyone to know how badly I failed to make something.

God is the creator of all things. The God of creation made the heavens and the earth and everything that is in them. From cows and dogs to giraffes and hippopotamuses to eagles and hammerhead sharks and all trees and plants, He made everything very good. Then, Adam and Eve fell into sin, and things weren’t very good anymore. It’s not God’s fault that creation was flawed. Still, the God of creation stepped in to make all things new again, even you. 

God made you, forming you in your mother’s womb. Even there, you were a sinner. (Psalm 51:5) Then, God remade you in the womb of the baptismal font, washing you with His holy name and covering you with righteousness and forgiveness. You are a new creation because you have been united with Jesus’ death and resurrection in Baptism. (Romans 6:3-4) God didn’t throw you away because you’re a sinner, nor did He destroy you and try again. Instead, He has perfected you by His grace and had mercy on you.  

The cost for your righteousness is His own Son, who didn’t know sin but became your sin. He died for you so that you would not die eternally but have the righteousness of God. God didn’t throw you away, but He did sacrifice His Son on the cross for your forgiveness. The new has come! If you doubt that you are a new creation, look to the cross. Look to Christ. Hear your pastor speak on God’s behalf: “Your sins are forgiven!”  Remember that you are baptized. Receive the Body and Blood of Jesus for your forgiveness. These are reminders of God’s grace, yet even more than reminders they deliver the grace of God to you. Your sin has been replaced with the righteousness of God, and you are His new creation!

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

My faithful God, You fail me never; Your promise surely will endure. O cast me not away forever If words and deeds become impure. Have mercy when I come defiled; Forgive, lift up, restore Your child. (LSB 590:3)

-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

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