The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ …
- from 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

The new we experience comes to us because God has reconciled us to himself through Christ.

To “reconcile” means to restore friendly relations between two parties or to bring two parties back into alignment. Underpinning today’s passage is the story that tells us that something had gone horribly wrong between us and God.

We have had a falling out. A knock-down, drag-out rumble-in-the-jungle kind of conflict had split us from each other. A stone wall and an iron curtain separated us. God showed restraint and chose not to kill us all; we didn’t return the favor … opting to send him to a cross. The violence and iciness of the conflict between us and God cannot be overstated. No relational breach has ever been deeper.

We write this knowing that you may not have ever felt any hostility toward God. The worst you may have directed his way might be indifference. But few things poison a relationship like indifference.

Into this broken relational minefield, Jesus came. In his humanity he represented us and in his divinity he represented God. In his life and through his death he bridged the gap between us and God. He made restitution for us and peace. He asked for and gave forgiveness. He made a way for us to connect with God once again.

In tomorrow’s passage, we’ll look at the “ministry of reconciliation” that God has given us in Christ. But before we do, let’s take stock.

What things have cropped up in your life that have been creating friction in your relationship with God: sin, disappointment, indifference, idolatry, loss? Ask Jesus to help you connect with God in fresh and meaningful ways today, to reconcile you once again to the God who loves you.