The beginning of a new year is often a time for reflection, resolution, and renewal. As we enter this new season, let us pause and ponder what it means to be a new wineskin, ready to receive the new wine that God has for us.
THE IMPORTANCE OF NEW WINESKINS
In Matthew 9:17, Jesus says, “Nor is new wine put into old [a]wineskins [that have lost their elasticity]; otherwise the wineskins burst, and the [fermenting] wine spills and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, so both are preserved.”
Just as old wineskins cannot contain new wine, we cannot expect to receive the new things that God has for us if we are stuck in old ways of thinking, behaving, or being.
THE PROCESS OF BECOMING A NEW WINESKIN
In Romans 12:2, Paul writes, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Becoming a new wineskin requires a willingness to let go of old habits, beliefs, and attitudes that no longer serve us. It requires a commitment to renew our minds through prayer, reading God’s Word, and seeking wise counsel.
THE BENEFITS OF BEING A NEW WINESKIN
When we are willing to become new wineskins, we position ourselves to receive the new wine that God has for us. This can include new opportunities, new relationships, new insights, or new levels of spiritual growth. As we open ourselves up to the new things that God wants to do in our lives, we become more fully alive and more effective in fulfilling His purposes.
As we begin this new year, let us be open to becoming new wineskins, ready to receive the new wine that God has for us. As we let go of old ways of thinking and being, and embrace the transformation that God wants to work in our lives in the days ahead, may we be filled with joy, hope, and expectancy.
PRAYER
Abba Father, we thank You for giving us a new year. Thank You for Your love, grace, and mercy that are new every morning. Lord, we surrender once more our body, soul, and spirit into Your hands, asking that You transform us into new wineskin for the new wine that You have in store for us.
In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
