Have you ever wanted a do-over?

I sure have! When I thought I was having the time of my life, I was actually destroying my soul. I’d like to erase that decade and get a do-over. But as a believer, God provides something even better.

God re-creates our life.

In last week’s post we observed the women’s response to the resurrected Jesus near the tomb. This resurrection appearance occurs later that same day when Jesus joined his frightened disciples huddling in a locked room.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. John 20:19-20

In an instant the disciples exchanged anxious grief for laughter and cheers. What joy! He’s alive! After the whoops and hollers of their emotional reunion, Jesus restarts the conversation.

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you!” As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:21-22

Jesus breathes on them. I always thought that was a little strange. Why not a sweeping hand motion? Why breathe resurrected (but post dead-in-the-grave) breath on your friends? A smart pastor connected the dots for me: it’s a reenactment.

God creates and re-creates.

Let’s go all the way back to the creation story in Genesis.

The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and the man became a living being. Genesis 2:7

God breathed life into humanity. And Jesus breathed new life into his disciples. God created us. Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, re-creates us.

The Holy Spirit provides humanity’s do-over.

This reenactment is no accident. John begins his gospel with creation and brings us to re-creation.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…In him was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:1,4

We find life in Jesus. He brings light into our darkness. The Apostle Paul knew the power of re-creation. He was a murderous destroyer of Jesus followers yet became the greatest evangelist church planter. That’s a radically re-created life.

Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. Eph 3:8

Paul tells the Gentiles that because they received God’s grace, they no longer identify as Gentiles. They have a new identity as children of God.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to take off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Eph 4:22-24

Jesus is better than a do-over. He is the re-creator.

God isn’t bothered by my rebellious past. He erased it as I hoped. I am a new creation in Christ. Baptism reenacts this death to the old life and rising to a new life. And as a believer in Christ, you have the breath of God, the breath of Jesus, his Holy Spirit in you.

Will you take a moment, close your eyes and breathe in God’s Spirit of life?

• Breathe in his love. Release your shame.
• Breathe in new life. Release the old one.
• Breathe in your new identity. Release your former self-image.

Repeat this often because re-creating you into his image is a Holy Spirit process. With your cooperation, God will re-create you into the person he intended you to be.

Our God creates and re-creates.

Share your story: If you’ve experienced the power of re-creation in your own life, please share your story in the comments. You never know who might be inspired or encouraged by your journey.

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