New or old?

Mark 2 : 18 - 22

New wine is for fresh skins......

I am always encouraged when people are open to sharing honestly where they are. After the service yesterday, a visitor came up and spoke to me. When I asked him about his journey, he shared that he has a chronic illness that limits his life. I was taken aback slightly as he was one who 'looks normal'. But at the same time I was encouraged that someone leading such a vulnerable life, is able to relate to God, is able to trust in God and carry on despite the fact that many among the Christian community do not know how to relate to him, or may do so quite clumsily and awkwardly.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is like 'new wine'. It brings hope and encouragement to people, wherever and however they are. It cannot be boxed into safe theological categories; neither is it only for some people. It will break through our assumptions, if we allow it to work, like yeast into the dough of our lives. I am always blessed to interact with those who get to know God in unique ways, perhaps because of their life situations. They make the gospel 'new', refreshing, compared to the stale bread we sometimes serve up.

The gospel of Christ is for pliable hearts. It is risky and we tend to be resistant at first. It does not allow that old assumptions be rigidly maintained. The Spirit blows where it will. It pushes us towards the growing edges of our faith. It allows Christ to come and say, "Follow me" to us, too, wherever we find ourselves. To be 'open' and 'ready' to receive, to know God's desire for our lives is a grace.