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Scripture: Luke 5:36-39 (NIV Study Bible) – “He [Jesus] told them [the Pharisees] this parable: ‘No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on the old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into the old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, ‘The old is better’.’” Message: This passage was confusing for me, but I have spent time contemplating and meditating on it. How can the new wine be worse, and the old wine better? Isn't “new” symbolic of growth, and isn't growth good? It occurred to me that we often find our comfort zone, and don't want to move past it. Change can be difficult. Recently, so many people in the world have experienced unwanted and forced changes, from the pandemic to a panoply of war and natural catastrophes. Many have experienced change in jobs, careers, marital status, and financial condition. There have been losses of loved ones, family and friends, some sudden, some gradual. We also should keep in mind that change may be positive: a new or renewed love, a promotion at work, or a new baby in the family. Pastor Chris and his latest calling come to mind. While we sometimes may view the old as better because we love what we had and were comfortable in the familiarity, upon reflection it seems to me that we are called not only to accept, but embrace the “new” with trust in Him. We are not in control and need to remember Who is. He calls us to pour our new wine into new wineskins, as hard as that may be at times, and be grateful for the opportunity to be alive, to grow and to thrive – in Him. Prayer: Father, please help us healthfully adjust to change, whether such change is by our own choice, or by circumstances beyond our control. Thank You for always watching over us and providing guidance, and may we be mindful with listening hearts, minds and ears to accept what comes our way, knowing that You are always by our side. Amen. Sue Kabbourim |
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