Lent Day Twenty
“Ephesians 4:22-32 The Passion Translation ”
Taken from The Passion Translation
22 And he has taught you to let go of the lifestyle of the ancient man, the old self-life, which was corrupted by sinful and deceitful desires that spring from delusions.
23 Now it’s time to be made new by every revelation that’s been given to you.
24 And you will be transformed as you embrace the glorious Christ-within as your new life and live in union with him! For God has re-created you all over again in his perfect righteousness, and you now belong to him in the realm of true holiness.
25 So discard every form of dishonesty and lying so that you will be known as one who always speaks the truth, for we all belong to one another in one body.
26 So be passionate! But don’t let the passion of your emotions lead you to sin! Don’t let anger control you or be fuel for revenge, not for even a day.
27 Don’t give the slanderous accuser, the devil, an opportunity to manipulate you!
28 If any one of you has stolen from someone else, never do it again. Instead, be industrious, earning an honest living, and then you’ll have enough to bless those in need.
29 And guard your speech—never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them.
30 The Holy Spirit of God has sealed you in Jesus Christ until you experience your full salvation. So never grieve the Spirit of God or take for granted his holy influence in your life.
31 Lay aside bitter words, temper tantrums, revenge, profanity, and insults.
32 But instead be kind and affectionate toward one another. Has God graciously forgiven you? Then graciously forgive one another in the depths of Christ’s love.
The resurrection of the Lord Jesus is astounding news, every day. We cling on to it. When Jesus died, the curtain ripped, the tombs burst open, the earth shook… and then, in rising to life, Jesus conquered death forever. Everything changed for us, for the world. Death and sin were defeated forever, as Jesus bore the curse himself. Everything that kept us separate from God was done away with, and because of the empty tomb, we receive the offer of new life and forgiveness, of restoration with our heavenly Father, the Lord Almighty. It’s an astounding, utterly liberating story which brings us to our knees in repentance and worship, daily.
And yet, the Gospel accounts don’t finish with the empty tomb. Mary ran to tell the others and Jesus appeared to them. Thomas doubted and Jesus showed him his hands and his side. Two men walked along a lonely road and Jesus met with them until their hearts burned. Peter and the other disciples went back to fishing and Jesus told them to throw their nets on the right side. Then, Jesus restored and commissioned Peter to be the foundation of the early church.
The resurrection of Jesus brings us each into new life and restoration. It brings change and renewal. God longs to restore each of us and his Holy Spirit works in us to renew and change us. It’s a slow process. It’s a daily cry out to God as he helps us to put off our old natures and be transformed. There is so much that tempts us and discourages us! But in the process, we are each drawn to knowing God more, to loving him more – and to living an honest life, to controlling our anger, to showing grace more than revenge, and to blessing others with our words. Every day, the Spirit of God helps us, in our groaning. We truly need his help! We are so weak on our own. And yet, as we speak God’s words of encouragement, others are drawn to his grace and his forgiveness. That’s amazing!
‘Lord, thank you for your grace and mercy towards me. Please work in my heart, through your Spirit, that I might live a new, transformed life, to your glory. Amen.’
Naomi Reed
Naomi Reed grew up in Sydney and trained as a physiotherapist, alongside her high-school sweetheart, Darren. After graduation, they married and worked in Sydney hospitals before answering God's call to the mission field in 1993. They spent six of the next thirteen years working in Nepal with the International Nepal Fellowship and it changed them irrevocably. They now eat rice for breakfast, leave their chappals at the door and pause interminably if you ask them where their home is