"There is nothing new under the sun." That's in the Bible.

"Behold, I make all things new." That's in the Bible, too.

As we approach this New Year, we would be wise to remember both of these seemingly contradictory truths. On the one hand, things are basically the same. Human nature is what it is. Sin does what it does and our taxes are still due in April. On the other hand, we are all a year older and we have no guarantees about the future.

When Solomon said what he said about nothing being really new, he was making reference to the basic human condition. He was correct. The strong still exploit the weak. The evil man still does evil and there is a seeming unfairness to it all.

What Jesus is promising is that even though we face the same temptations, we can be made new in the inner man. We can be changed by the power of the Holy Spirit. What might this newness look like?

Wouldn't it be great if we could be free from bitterness? What would it be like if we could forgive someone we have held in our anger for years? What would it be like if long standing patterns of destructive behavior could be broken?

I suggest that there is really only one way to find out.

Repentance is nothing more than changing our minds. If last year was just fine for you and you want more of the same, then perhaps this message this morning holds nothing for you. But if you are a candidate for change, then perhaps there is something precious from God's Word here for you today.

I for one am not content to merely replicate last year. What about you?

Pastor Jim
December 31, 2006