James 1:18
18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
James says here that God is bringing us forth as a kind of firstfruits. If that means what it seems to mean, God is creating us again. There are already creatures, we are already creatures, and yet we are being brought forth by the word of truth. Brought forth brings you back to Genesis when God commands the earth to bring forth the animals and out they come. In the Magician’s Nephew, CS Lewis imagines a creation where elephants come forth by poking their heads out of the ground like groundhogs!
In the same way, God is bringing out a new life, a new creation, through this word of truth in us. That means we were dead and by His will He has made us alive. I’m astounded by the promise of resurrection, but I’ve not paid close enough attention to the wild miracle of regeneration. Spend time today giving thanks for new life!
Prayer prompt: Lord, thank You for making me new.