‘Every scribe that has been trained for the kingdom of God,’ said Jesus, ‘is like a master of a house, who brings out of his house what is new and what is old’ (Mt 13:52). Come January, then, what do we want that’s new without losing those old treasures we should keep for ever?
There’s new clothing of Christ to replace the old, worn-out rags of our former conduct: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, not forgetting mutual forbearance (Col 3:12ff). New clothes may feel a bit stiff to start with, but with a bit of wear we soon fit them – and they offer a warmth that the old ones never did. Clear out the old wardrobe.
Then there’s a new sense of purpose which comes from understanding the will of the Lord, shedding the folly of self-determination, which leads only to self-destruction (Eph 5:15ff). New too is the world we wait for with such hope (never outdated), i.e., this one which the Lord is even now making new and righteous through our obedience of faith: following him trustingly, whether or not we fully understand (Ro 16:25ff; 1 Pe 3:13).
That mention of following brings me to the old that is never to be abandoned: the way of the Lord – the ancient or everlasting way that so many stray away from, deceived by false signposts. The Psalmist had the right prayer for this change of year (or any other time): Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Ps 139:23f; cf. Jer 6:16)
Roy Lorrain-Smith
Guiding Lord, who sees the destination as well as the signposts, please direct all our steps on the way – along your path, with you and to you. Amen.
Gracious Lord, who came to earth in Jesus to seek and save the strayed, please call us back from our many follies, to worship and work with you. Amen.
Great and mighty Lord, Creator of all, Rescuer of all, and Mender of all, please change our clothes, renew our focus, and make us more like Jesus. Amen.
Your own prayers
There’s new clothing of Christ to replace the old, worn-out rags of our former conduct: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, not forgetting mutual forbearance (Col 3:12ff). New clothes may feel a bit stiff to start with, but with a bit of wear we soon fit them – and they offer a warmth that the old ones never did. Clear out the old wardrobe.
Then there’s a new sense of purpose which comes from understanding the will of the Lord, shedding the folly of self-determination, which leads only to self-destruction (Eph 5:15ff). New too is the world we wait for with such hope (never outdated), i.e., this one which the Lord is even now making new and righteous through our obedience of faith: following him trustingly, whether or not we fully understand (Ro 16:25ff; 1 Pe 3:13).
That mention of following brings me to the old that is never to be abandoned: the way of the Lord – the ancient or everlasting way that so many stray away from, deceived by false signposts. The Psalmist had the right prayer for this change of year (or any other time): Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Ps 139:23f; cf. Jer 6:16)
Roy Lorrain-Smith
A prayer for each week
Guardian Lord, who oversees our lives during all times and stages, please give us confidence to face the future, whatever in may be, trusting Jesus. Amen.Guiding Lord, who sees the destination as well as the signposts, please direct all our steps on the way – along your path, with you and to you. Amen.
Gracious Lord, who came to earth in Jesus to seek and save the strayed, please call us back from our many follies, to worship and work with you. Amen.
Great and mighty Lord, Creator of all, Rescuer of all, and Mender of all, please change our clothes, renew our focus, and make us more like Jesus. Amen.
Your own prayers
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