the old and the new

Today in the One Year Bible, we read from Acts 21:18-36. Paul has to demonstrate to the Jewish believers that Jesus didn't come to do away with the previous Jewish teachings, but to fulfill them.

We need to realize that in our lives, too. In our churches, it's sometimes easy to jump on board with the newest music or customs that come along, and many people love the new stuff. But then others are upset because they don't like the change. This isn't just true in the church, it's true in all of life. Some people embrace change, and some people hate it.

We have to remember that God doesn't do away with the old when He introduces the new. He does bring us new things sometimes. New friends, new family members, new jobs, new places to live. But that doesn't do away with the old friends, old family, old job memories, or love for the places we've lived before. He fulfills the past by bringing us into the future.

So don't be afraid when things change. He's not getting rid of what you love. He's making it more perfect in the new things He brings into your life.

God, thanks for teaching us not to fear the new, and that You bring us both old and new.