Daily Devotional

When was the last time you upgraded your phone? The truth is, a quick Google search will tell you that most folks upgrade phones every two to three years to the “new and improved" version. And whether it’s a new phone, a new bag, or a new set of golf clubs, there’s nothing like the feeling of getting your hands on something "new and improved”. Much of the time, the “new” is just exciting to have, but there’s also a practical element to using something “improved”. Now, how silly would it be to keep using something old when you have the newer version? I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I’m going back to the abacus. My point is, I can make the case that we are benefiting from our relationship with Christ through the "new and improved."

Before Christ, the Old Covenant was about a bunch of different things that people needed to do to maintain their good standing/relationship with God. And the covenant screamed of the desperate need for a savior. When Christ came, died on the cross, and rose again, he paid our debt, and now, through acceptance of His atonement, we may live in the New Covenant. The Bible says that, “...the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Cor. 3:6b). The "letter" governed by the law of the old covenant showed us that we could never do enough things to earn our salvation. While the letter may teach “what”, the Spirit teaches “how”. And because of Jesus's death and resurrection, we're under the New Covenant of the Holy Spirit that lives inside of us, which shows us how to live when we follow Christ.

Without question, there was a burden of the law and the Old Covenant. But the contrast is the blessing of the New Covenant that we get to experience. This makes our relationship with Jesus so much more meaningful because we approach God personally, not as individuals following a set of rules, but as His sons and daughters. Knowing what He has done for us should inspire us to take advantage of His incredible love, and focus more on Him and living in the grace of the New Covenant rather than the duty of the Old Covenant. While Abel’s blood called for God’s vengeance (Gen. 4:10), the blood of Jesus cries for forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation for the children of God (Heb. 9:12-15; 10:19-22). May the "new and improved" life we find in Jesus continue to be our guide this day as we keep looking to Him.

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.