Game Changer

Maundy Thursday - One day before Jesus died

Read: Romans 6:1-4

• What did you discover in today’s reading?

The glory of the Resurrection! Jesus was not simply revived; He was raised to a new life by the power of God. 

When I was a young boy, our neighborhood group was usually up to something outside. (This was before video games.)

One day, my neighbor Steve had gotten some new tennis shoes and was quite proud of them. He challenged each of us to a footrace. We each took our turn, but he soundly defeated every challenger. It was clear these shoes were game changers.

I went home and, through great pleading and begging, convinced Mom to get me a pair of tennis shoes just like Steve had. As soon as I had the new footwear, I was watching for the gang to form outside. I immediately seized the opportunity and challenged Steve to a race.

He won. By a mile. Just like before.

Strapping on some new shoes on my feet did nothing to change the fact Steve was WAY faster than me.

The new life God has given us through the Resurrection is not a matter of strapping some external laws onto my old self.

No, Jesus paved the way for a new life! We have died to the old self in baptism and now live a new life through the Holy Spirit.

Pray: Dear Father, thank you for a new life in Christ – what a glorious blessing. Teach me to walk according to the Spirit in the newness of this life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do: Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal some attitude or habit holding you back in the new life. 

• In what ways do you look more like Jesus today than last year?