In Mark 2:22, Jesus said, “And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.” This verse encapsulates a powerful truth about the nature of our relationship with God and His work in our lives.
As Christians, we worship a God whose character never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. When He makes a promise, He is faithful to fulfill it to the very end. This constancy in God’s nature is a source of immense comfort and assurance. However, it does not mean that God is static or unchanging in His actions. In fact, our unchanging God delights in doing new things.
The imagery of new wine requiring new wineskins speaks to the necessity of being prepared and willing to receive the new work God is doing. Old wineskins, having become rigid and brittle, cannot contain the fermenting new wine. In the same way, if we hold on rigidly to old ways, traditions, or mindsets, we may miss out on the fresh work God wants to do in our lives and in the world.
Consider the story of the Israelites in the wilderness. God’s presence was manifested as a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day, guiding them on their journey to the Promised Land. Imagine if God’s presence had remained static. The Israelites would have been trapped, vulnerable to Pharaoh’s pursuing army, and deprived of witnessing the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and the provision of manna. God’s dynamic guidance was essential for their deliverance and sustenance.
Similarly, Jesus’ establishment of the New Covenant is a profound example of God doing something new. The Old Covenant was centered on the Hebrew people, but through Jesus, God extended His invitation of salvation to the entire world. This was a radical and unprecedented move, one that required a new understanding and acceptance from those who were used to the old ways. The New Covenant opened the door for all humanity to enter into a relationship with God and receive eternal life.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be flexible, open, and willing to embrace the new things God is doing. This doesn’t mean abandoning the foundational truths of our faith; rather, it means being attentive and responsive to the Holy Spirit’s leading. It means being willing to change our methods, approaches, and mindsets to align with God’s current work.
In our own lives, we may sometimes find ourselves clinging to old patterns, habits, or ways of thinking. We might resist change out of fear, comfort, or tradition. But God’s call to embrace new wineskins is an invitation to trust Him more deeply. It is an invitation to experience His power and presence in fresh, transformative ways.
Take a moment to reflect: Are there areas in your life where you sense God is doing something new? Are there old wineskins—outdated habits, rigid mindsets, or comfortable routines—that you need to let go of to fully receive the new wine He is pouring out?
Lazarevic Ministries 