Look Again

When we feel like nothing changed at the moment of our baptism, we are recognizing something that is true.  Nothing changed outside of us.  Our strained relationships are still the same.  Our stack of bills is still the same.  Our boss is still the same.  Our fears, struggles, and deep dark secrets are still the same.  None of that has changed.  But we changed.

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:1-7 NIV)

We may feel dissappointed that we did not come out of the water and straight into a new world.  But the new heaven and the new earth won’t be here until a later time.  We know that day is coming, so we live in this day with a new hope.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)

We look forward to the day of Jesus’ return that will begin the process and bring about the new heaven and the new earth.  We know that the people who get to stay with God are the ones who choose God in this life.  So, we look forward, holding on to the small glimpses of this new life that we have.

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV)

Right now, we live in the same world we were living in before. The world did not change.  But God doesn’t want us to just hold on until Jesus returns.  God wants more for us than that.  God wants to give us an abundant life even in this life.  That’s why God gave us two gifts.  We received forgiveness for our sins.  Yes!  But we also received the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The same Spirit that spoke light into existence and raised Jesus from the dead now dwells in you.  Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, if you are in Christ Jesus.

His divine poHis divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (2 Peter 1:2-4 NIV)

The world has not changed. We changed.

How about you?  When you were baptized, were you changed?  Don’t think so? Look again.