The Shepherd Calls: Forever new 

On Jan. 1, precisely at 12:01 a.m., the 2017 New Year will begin. It is easy to determine its beginning. However, it is much more difficult to determine its end. I don’t mean midnight Dec. 31; no, I mean when does the New Year cease to be new and become an old year? Is it an old year on Jan. 1 at 12:02 a.m.? No? On Jan. 2? No? Then when?

This is more than a philosophical question; it is a meaningful, even disturbing question. When does anything move from new to old? When is a new baby an “old” baby? If you buy a new car, how long will it be before you consider it an old used car? The dealer will consider it used when you drive it off the lot. When does a brand new house become an old house? When does juicy gossip become old news?

One reason the question is important is because we tend to give more attention to what is new. Parents lavish their attention on the new baby; but one day the child will not get that much attention. The new car owner works hard to keep the car clean and free of scratches; but when it becomes old, it will be different.

As we begin a new year, many people will resolve to make a better life. Some will even write a list of resolutions. While the year is new, they give much attention to these resolutions. Then, as the year grows older, their attention grows weaker; and often those good intentions are forgotten.

The Bible tells us that when we become Christians God makes us new persons, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature… all things become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Jesus makes us new. You may doubt that. It does not mean you are a baby or even a teenager again. What it means is that all the rest of our days God cares for us with the same care one gives anything new. In other words, God always regards us as new.