A new perspective
by Pastor Mark Lieschke
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So from now on we regard no-one from a worldly point of view … Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:16a,17)
From a human point of view, Jesus can be considered a great man, prophet, freedom fighter, religious teacher and martyr. From a human point of view, when Jesus is viewed like this, the cross can only mean shame, weakness and defeat.
However, for those who are in Christ, the full truth of Christ is revealed. We’re given a new perspective of his life, death and resurrection. And more than that, we are recreated by him. A transformation has taken place. Everything old has passed away. And now we can see things from the perspective of the end when the new heavens and earth will be complete.
That means we can put away old attitudes and judgements against our fellow believers. Instead of making assumptions about them and having opinions based on how they look or what they are doing, we can look at them with new eyes.
Just as God has given us a new status, he has also made these people new creations. When God looks at me in Christ, he sees a forgiven sinner. When God looks at my sister or brother in Christ, he sees a forgiven sinner. Now, when I look at my fellow Christians through the eyes of faith, I can see them as a forgiven, restored, newly created child of God.
And that enables me to minister to them, serve them, honour them, support them, encourage them, forgive them, seek forgiveness from them, be reconciled to them, and uphold them as I uphold Christ himself.
What a difference that makes to Christian communities when this takes place. What a privilege it is for us to be part of such communities. What a challenge and encouragement it is to play our part in these communities.
Lord God, thanks for reconciling me to yourself through Jesus Christ. Open my heart and give me the strength to see others as you do. Help me to honour them as people who you love and care for. Forgive me when I fail you and others. Renew me each day by your grace in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Mark Lieschke is a retired pastor living on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. He served in parishes in South Australia, New Zealand and New South Wales before being elected as bishop of the LCANZ’s NSW and ACT District. Mark enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, walking on the beach and relaxing.
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