MADE NEW

I about keeled over when my hubby Bert talked about selling his 1985 CJ7 Jeep.

He bought it used in 2010, polished the sun-damaged red paint until the entire Jeep gleamed, and worked on the engine til it purred. Aside from the occasional carburetor troubles, he loved this vehicle.

He’d talked about unloading it for a year or so, but I knew he wouldn’t do it. That Jeep continued to be his pride and joy. Neighbors would stop by to chat with him about it, and Bert would come in the house holding his cheeks – they ached from the grin he wore.

What price do you put on that kind of joy?

So, when he announced he was putting an ad in the neighborhood news, I threw my hand up and batted the air,  and went back to work. But then the calls came in and the Jeep drove away, and tears filled my eyes. Bert’s too.

A few days ago, our neighbor stopped by with the Jeep. He explained that a mechanic friend searched until he located the precise carburetor for this Jeep. Then he took Bert for a ride. Though filled with nostalgia at its parting, Bert loved that the Jeep ran better than ever before. “Like new,” were his words.

And isn’t that exactly what Jesus does for us?

2 Cor. 5:17 says “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

When we turn our lives over to Jesus, give Him ownership and allow Him to work in us, He makes us new. He washes us clean in His life-giving blood, searches for and heals the sin-damaged areas, and sets us free to live for Him.

Priceless joy!

And then, with Him in the driver’s seat, He takes us on an unforgettable ride. All the way home.

 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Gal.2:20, NKJV)

By author eMarie

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Sherry Shindelar
Sherry Shindelar
1 year ago

Excellent analogy. I’m so thankful that the Lord makes us a new creation when we give our hearts to Him.

(My husband’s first vehicle was a 1979 red Jeep. He loved it.)

Lynn Jenks
Lynn Jenks
1 year ago

God bless Bert for his gracious perspective in your sweet story!

Rhonda
Rhonda
1 year ago

I love how you used the example of the Jeep and how it was restored, washed up and made new with how we are new creations in Christ and that’s what He does for us!! Thanks for the encouragement today!!

Gwendolyn Gage
1 year ago

What a beautiful, bittersweet moment for Bert. I love the analogy. Thank God for His grace and perfect plan!

Judy Chatfield
Judy Chatfield
1 year ago

One of my favorite verses! Wonderful blog today.

Lorilee Toomey
Lorilee Toomey
1 year ago

I love the analogy of “the red, shiny Jeep” with the gift of our being made new in Christ Jesus. It’s such an encouraging and uplifting message. Thanks for sharing this simple but eternal truth.

Dave
Dave
1 year ago

Lord, I thank you for this old jeep.
You take it and make it run.

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