Pressing Forward: A New Thing in Christ
As we approach the final weeks of Lent, we are reminded that this is a time of preparation, reflection, and renewal. Today’s readings point us to God’s transformative work—He is making all things new and inviting us to let go of the past and embrace His future.
Key Questions to Consider:
Are we holding onto the past instead of embracing God’s new work?
Do we value Christ above all else, as Paul did?
Are we willing to pour out our devotion to Jesus, as Mary did?
Let us explore these themes in today’s message.
I. God is Doing a New Thing (Isaiah 43:16-21)
A. Remembering God’s Past Deliverance
Isaiah reminds the people that God parted the Red Sea to save them from Egypt (v. 16-17).
This event showed that God is a Deliverer and that His power is limitless.
B. Forget the Former Things – A New Exodus
Verse 18: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past."
Verse 19: "See, I am doing a new thing!"
Just as God led Israel out of Egypt, He promises to create a new path—one of hope and restoration.
Reflection:
Do we spend too much time looking backward, preventing us from seeing God’s new work?
How is God calling us to trust Him for a new thing in our lives?
II. Counting Everything as Loss for Christ (Philippians 3:4b-14)
A. Paul’s Earthly Achievements Meant Nothing
Paul had every reason to boast:
He was a Pharisee, a Hebrew of Hebrews, and righteous under the law.
Yet, he says, all of it is loss compared to knowing Christ (v. 7-8).
B. Knowing Christ is the Greatest Gain
Verse 9: True righteousness comes not from the law but through faith in Christ.
Verse 10: Paul’s goal was to know Christ deeply, sharing in His suffering and resurrection.
Verse 13-14: He forgets what is behind and presses forward toward the prize of eternity with Christ.
Reflection:
What are we clinging to that prevents us from fully pursuing Christ?
Are we pressing forward in our faith, or are we stuck in the past?
III. Extravagant Love for Jesus (John 12:1-8)
A. Mary’s Costly Act of Worship
Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume, worth a year’s wages.
This act showed deep love, devotion, and faith in Jesus as the Messiah.
B. Judas’ Selfish Reaction
Judas criticizes Mary, pretending to care for the poor, but in reality, he was greedy.
Jesus defends Mary’s action, saying:
"Leave her alone. She has saved this perfume for the day of my burial." (v. 7)
Mary understood that Jesus was preparing for His sacrifice.
Reflection:
Are we willing to sacrifice for Jesus as Mary did?
Do we give Him our best, or do we hold back?
IV. The Joy of Restoration (Psalm 126)
A. Remembering God’s Faithfulness
The psalm recalls a time when God restored Israel, filling them with joy and laughter.
B. Trusting God for Future Restoration
Verse 5-6: "Those who sow in tears will reap with joy."
Even in times of sorrow, we trust that God will bring joy and renewal.
Reflection:
Do we believe God can restore our brokenness?
Are we willing to trust Him through seasons of difficulty?
Conclusion: Embracing God’s New Work
Each of today’s readings challenges us to let go of the past and embrace what God is doing now:
Isaiah 43: God is doing a new thing—will we perceive it?
Philippians 3: Our old achievements are nothing compared to knowing Christ.
John 12: True worship means giving our best to Jesus.
Psalm 126: God brings joy after sorrow, and we trust in His restoration.
As we continue in this Lenten season, let us:
Forget what is behind.
Press forward toward Christ.
Worship Him with all our hearts.
Trust in His power to restore us.
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