According to the Oxford dictionary the word ‘new’ means – produced, introduced, or discovered recently or now for the first time; not existing before. Another definition would be – already existing but seen, experienced, or acquired recently or now for the first time.
In the last newsletter we looked at how to end a season well. Today I would like to focus on the new season. We could say that the season had already existed, but that it is new for this year and is ‘now’ for the first time. It is also a new academic year, even though we are three-quarters of the way through 2022. Many children would have started a new school or started for the first time. My 3 grandchildren started at new schools, one of them for the first time. Others would have started university and will face new experiences. Before we know it a new year will begin… 2023!
Of course, the news over the last few weeks has highlighted the life of HM Queen Elizabeth II who died on Thursday 8th September. The end of one era and the start for the new monarch, King Charles III. I guess we could say that he was already in existence and seen, but now for the first time he becomes King and takes on a new role. This important role will see new responsibilities through the oaths that he has made.
You may recall in the service on Sunday 11th September, that I struggle a little with the word ‘King’. That’s because, for me, there is only one King, the King of Kings Jesus Christ. Not that I have an issue with the monarchy!
However, within scripture we find a wealth of wisdom and guidance that point to new things and the way for us. There is hope. Hope has a name; it is the name above all names – Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
In Lamentations 3:22-23, Jeremiah reminds us “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”.
Who can forget the amazing words that Jesus shared with his disciples; words that ring true for us today and for all our tomorrows. In Matthew 26, we find Jesus is sharing the last supper with his disciples. He takes the cup, gives thanks, hands it to them and says “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins”. Here’s the amazing message of hope and assurance as Jesus continues, “I tell you; I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my father’s kingdom” (Matt. 26: 27-29).
It is Jesus that can assure us of victory over death and of a future with him. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and witnesses we see the spread of the gospel message. One day we will be all together again in God’s new kingdom. This is something that already exists and we will experience it for the first time soon. Amen.
 | David Skeet is our church team leader. Taken from the latest edition of our bi-monthly church newsletter. |