A New Creation

“Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened.”

As Christians, we are baptized because we die to our flesh and are raised with Christ as a new creation. We are born again. We are freed from sin and death, which chained us before we knew Christ. Therefore, it may seem odd to read about Jesus’ baptism. He was already perfect. Nonetheless, Luke 3:21 states that while many were baptized in the Jordan River, Jesus was also baptized. In that moment, Christ identified with sinners. He identified with us.

That is the God we serve. Christ humbled himself to dwell with us. He knew pain, he knew sorrow, he laughed, and he cried. Thus, in this season of Lent, as we look toward Christ’s redemptive work on the cross, may we be encouraged that Christ took the weight of our sins on himself. He paid the price of death in full and made us a new creation. Therefore, as God’s people, having been adopted, we share in this identity: we are God’s children whom he loves and with whom he is well pleased (Luke 3:22).

As we go about our daily lives may we see ourselves, and others, as God sees us all. May we fix our eyes on things above, not giving ourselves or others value based on worldly standards. May we see others as they truly are, as God’s beloved creation, and may we grant ourselves the same grace. May we live lives worthy of the gospel.

Lord, please guide us in walking humbly before you and before others, and may our lives reflect the love you have shown to us. Amen.

JORYANNE CABALSE
Master of Divinity/Master of Business Administration Student
Hilo, Hawaii