New systems and new ways to connect. Sometimes we have to get used to the new. Yesterday, my phone experienced a new update and I am still trying to learn how to access certain areas, apps and ways to navigate the new format. Everything looks new and none of the old buttons are available. I like new when it comes to items and fun experiences; not so much this new phone update. I have a lot to learn. Do you like learning new ways of doing things?
In our passage today, Jesus is questioned about why his disciples are not honoring the old ritual of fasting as a sign of repentance to prepare for Messiah’s coming; why are they not honoring the establish system to connect with God? Jesus quickly answers the question by telling them fasting was not necessary in the moment, because the Messiah was with them bringing a new covenant. This new covenant will require a new way of living; embracing new practices. Then, Jesus goes on to explain the covenant by using two parables that reveal the need for expansion—identity, discipleship, and growth.
The old religious system was no longer the proper practice; the gospel would never be contained in the old fabric or wineskins of religious traditions. Jesus came to offer forgiveness of sin and reconciliation with God by grace, through faith, to provide eternal peace. The gospel was providing a new way for humanity to connect with God and enjoy life in his care—“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Cor. 2:9). All that wonderful love and power…would burst the seams of anything that tried to restrict it!
For this reasons, our love walk must grow so we can receive all the new gifts and experiences Jesus wants to bring into our lives. Your heart contains the living Lord. He wants to do amazing and extraordinary things without restrictions in all of our lives. As we allow the Spirit to grow us in Christ’s character, we can handle the powerful expansion of the new. If we stay in the comfortable shallow realm of human ability to restore ourselves, we will never grow and taste the best wine! So connect to Christ!
Matthew 9:14-17 NLT A Discussion about Fasting
14 One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, “Why don’t your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?”
15 Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.
16 “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before.
17 “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for this wonderful and exciting message about the power of the gospel to expand our love walk and the rewards of tasting all that is good in Christ! We welcome your work, Holy Spirit. Help us to stay the course and drink in the best of your goodness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.