2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (NRSV)
Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 16From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. Verse 17So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! Verse 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; Verse 19that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. Verse 20So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. Verse 21For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Devotion
This portion of the apostle Paul's letters to the Corinthians sums up the entire gospel story in a few short sentences. It establishes our foundational Christian confession that Christ's death and resurrection brought and continue to bring new life into the world. More than that, these words of confession define ministry, showing us how the relationship between God and Christ translates to the relationship uniting God, Christ, humanity, and all of creation.
What this passage doesn't say, however—what breathes between the lines—is that the Holy Spirit is the catalyst, carrier, and conduit of this relationship. The Holy Spirit animates us and empowers us to know the Son, who is a reflection of the heart of the Father. The Holy Spirit is integral in making all things new. When we read about God and Christ today, we need to remember that the Holy Spirit is there too.
Prayer
God, thank you for newness, and for your Holy Spirit that calls me into your reconciling work. Help me to channel my creativity today—to embrace someone or something in my world afresh, and on behalf of you. Amen.