Something New
(This devotion was first shared in October of 2021)
We arrived home safely from our camping trip, and it was a wonderful trip. There was, however, one casualty. After two extended trips with our new and larger camper, it became apparent that my 11-year-old pickup was not up to the task of towing that thing any longer. We never broke down completely, but there were enough “minor” problems over the last few days to let us know that it is time for me to get a new truck.
When I bought that truck new in 2010, it was the first (and only) pickup I ever owned. I had wanted one most of my life, but it didn’t make sense with our family for me to have one. We needed room to haul people. My vehicles were used not only for my wife and three daughters, but also for taking church kids and adults to various functions. So I had a VW Vanagon for 12 years, and then a used Suburban for 9 years after that.
Once all the girls were out of the house and on their own, I finally splurged and bought my truck – with my wife’s blessing, I might add. I intended to keep it forever. I have a history of keeping vehicles for a long time. But the time has come for new wheels, and the shopping starts today. There is an excitement about getting a new truck, but there is also the reality that it is a costly endeavor. Getting something new costs a lot. It is a reality.
That made me think about the one who said “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5). He gave me a new life and has promised a new heaven and a new earth. Talk about costly! It cost Him everything, His entire life. Having lived a perfect life without sin, and deserving nothing but praise and honor and glory, He gave it all up and paid the price for the sins of the world. He did that so that you and I could have the “NEW” at no cost to us. This is not like those commercial come-ons that tell you something is free, but there is a catch once you call in or sign up online. What Jesus offers and gives is truly free for us because Jesus made it “paid in full.”
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The New Life Jesus earned and gave to me will last a lot longer than any vehicle I have owned or will own. It will last forever.
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.
