“New Year For Renewal!”

“New Year For Renewal!”(Gen. 17:1-13).
It’s just the 2nd of January 2023, but the euphoria of new year is already on the downside. January is usually a month of financial hardship considering that salaried workers were paid before 25th December of The previous year. The preparation for Christmas and new year celebration also drains the finances of many people. To make matters worst some of us waste the little that is left on drinking on the first as if there is no tomorrow.
Sometimes I wonder whether the lavish expenditure in resources and the exertion of 1st January is worth it! By the way, which is quite significant to an individual, 1st January or one’s birthday anniversary?
Today we use the story of Abraham to remind ourselves that new year does not make all things new, but that renewal is vital to faith. When God says he will do what he will do, we should not doubt him. Abraham and Sarah decided on a short-cut to fulfil God’s promise. Sarah asked her husband to sleep with Hagar her maidservant so that she could build a family through Hagar(Gen.16:1ff).
God’s ways are not our ways! Our plans do not work for him – except it is in his will. After Hagar had given birth, God appeared to Abraham and renewed the covenant he had made with Abraham. “I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers…” This covenant was to be an everlasting covenant from Abraham and his descendants after him for generations to come. Circumcision was to be a mark and seal of the covenant.
Today the mark and seal of those who have a covenant relationship with God is the circumcision of the heart.
As we enter the new year, it is not so much about making new year resolutions that hardly survive a half year. Rather, God Almighty is interested in renewing the old covenant. In this renewal we are being reminded that we cannot have it our own way without God.
All God’s promises are sure to happen. He confirmed his covenant with us through the birth and death of his Son. All that he requires of us is to believe in his Son and to walk before him blameless.
Let us celebrate the new year by the renewal of our hearts even as God has renewed his covenant with us.
We should also wait patiently on God. Abraham was 99 years old when the covenant was renewed.
Prayer of the day and week: In this new year, create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Amen!
Have a blessed day and week! Peace be with you! Happy New year!
Rev Babila Fochang.