He makes things new.
These brothers at odds, and understandably so–one tricked his way into an inheritance. Their family divided. This is the start of a nation and people–though threaded thick with sin-theme (all of us). But God would make something new from it–something better. Jacob wrestles alone with God at night …
28 “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won.” Genesis 32:28 NLT.
Made new.
A people on the verge of destruction–Haman’s plot sealed with a king’s signet ring. God uses Esther to bring about a different ending–and Mordecai writes words that empower and protect the Jews. There was great joy. A fate reversed, and hope–
made new.
Jesus on the Sabbath …
Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. 2 Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus’ enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath.
3 Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” 4 Then he turned to his critics and asked, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn’t answer him.
5 He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! Mark 3:1-5 NLT.
Restored. (Restored!)
Made new.
21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. Romans 3:21-25 NLT.
Sinners, fallen short of the standard–declared righteous.
Made new.
Father God, when I wrestle with you, and you make me new. I hold out my hand to you, and you restore what is broken–even if others say you can’t (or shouldn’t). You make me new. Kindness undeserved, your mercy–thankfully received. My life in your hands, new joy (my fate reversed–from death to life!) and hope. Declared righteous, and yours.
Courtney (66books365)
Sixty-six books in a year 
Great thoughts….enjoyed this morning’s passages immensely. Old things are passed away, behold all things have become NEW. A verse that popped out to me was Romans 3:20-21 For no one can EVER be made right in God’s sight by doing what his law commands. For the more we KNOW God’s law, the clearer it becomes that we aren’t obeying it. This one verse alone holds so much power and motivation that causes me to never think or feel that I “have made it to that perfect obedience standard”, rather propels me to allow the reading of His word and learning even more about Him and how to obey Him properly a definite priority! Something that is written in my bible from years ago is this: NO GOD, NO PEACE; KNOW GOD, KNOW PEACE! How amazing it is that as you pointed out “We are made right in GOD’S sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. ” I am very thankful that God has shown me the RIGHT way of being right, for in my own human decision making I often times fail miserably.
Yes, Erica, great thoughts! I agree. Me too.
Courtney, your words reminded me of a song I once heard that says, “I will bow down and worship You, my God: I will praise you alone, for You saved me and delivered me from despair; thank You Lord. All that I am is found in You and all Who you are is found in me; by the blood of the Lamb I have been made new for, behold, I am redeemed!” That is all I know to do when I think of how God is molding me into His image – humble praise and adoration.