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“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthian 5:17

Have you ever taken an object that you found—something tucked away in an attic corner or discovered at a thrift store—and transformed it? You repair, paint, repurpose. This activity may be a passion for some of us…others of us may be passionate about watching TV shows focused on other people doing the restoration. Regardless of whether we are doing or observing, there is something so inspiring and satisfying about seeing the old, dirty, and broken thing given new life.

Although I’m not necessarily “crafty” in this way, I did complete a “self-quarantine” project the other day. In our kitchen we have a brick wall with a small fireplace. The brick, which matches the exterior brick, is dark, orange-red in color, and stained. And I’ve always thought how nice it would be to paint it.

So, I did. That brick wall is now a bright antique white.

The coat of paint transformed that 60-year-old wall, making it something new. It brought immediately to my mind the verse from Isaiah: “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

Sisters, this is what Easter is all about! Because of our sin nature, we are dirty, broken, stained. But Jesus takes our lives and gives us a soul-makeover, transforming us into something new. By accepting what Jesus did on the Cross—paying the penalty for our sin—and then believing that He was resurrected and now lives, we are made new. Redeemed.

Now, in full disclosure, my painted brick wall is in no way flawless. Due to the nature of the brick, there are imperfections and discolorations that still show through. For the overall look of my kitchen, it looks kind of cool.

Not so much with us. Because of our nature, we will—in this world—have faults and failures. But, praise God, when it comes to our salvation, our soul renovation is without flaw. We are a new creation, completely redeemed. And, because of Easter, the Father looks upon the work of His Son—you and me—and only sees perfection.

Jesus, thank You for Easter! Thank you for transforming me by Your death and resurrection into a new creation, fit for the Kingdom.

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry