Have you ever regretted a decision, or a time in your life that you would like to forget? If possible, you would like to go back in time, repair, resolve, and even have full restoration for that event in your life. We might not be able to go back in time, however we can go forward with a new beginning. The Bible has given us many examples of new beginnings after tragic events and terrible decisions, which many of God’s people made.
I want to share with you two examples. King David conspired against one of his most trusted warriors after he had an affair with his wife and she conceived. In the end Uriah was dead, Bathsheba’s child died, the affair was brought to light, and David was humiliated before his people. Yet, God gave David a new beginning. There were consequences of course for his decision, however David repented and God forgave David. It is interesting that Solomon; the next king of Israel came from the very same woman, Bathsheba. Both had a new beginning.
Peter, an apostle of Jesus, denied that he even knew the Master. At the moment when his faith was being tested, Peter was ashamed and repudiated that he even was a disciple of Christ. As Jesus turned and looked directly at Peter, immediately he felt the shame of his decision, the disgrace of his actions, the dishonor of his betrayal. Peter, humiliated, ran weeping from the trial. Yet, Jesus after the resurrection forgave Peter and he became one of the greatest apostles of Christ. New Beginnings!
This is the beauty of the Gospel. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 Yes, we have a new beginning. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”1 John 1:9 A new beginning! “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1-3 The Bible is clear; Jesus gives us a new beginning.
We might not be able to change the past, but with Christ, we can shape the future. As we begin the New Year. Let us learn from the past. However, let us not dwell in the past as if it is engraved on a tombstone, for Christ Himself broke free from the grave and began a new life for us. Jesus was the example of a new beginning. Through Him we have a new hope, a new life, a new beginning.
Here are some words of encouragement. “The mighty power of the Holy Spirit works an entire transformation in the character of the human agent, making him a new creature in Christ Jesus…. The words and actions express the love of the Saviour. There is no striving for the highest place. Self is renounced. The name of Jesus is written on all that is said and done. Is not this, the renewal of man, the greatest miracle that can be performed? What cannot the human agent do who by faith takes hold of the divine power?” Faith I live by p.136-7
May God bless you this Sabbath as we start a new year, a new life, a new beginning with Him.
Angel
Angel J. Rodriguez, D.Min
Houston Central – Senior Pastor
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