What's Nu?

January 2010  

What's Nu? It appears at first glance to be a configuration from the periodic table of elements. I looked--there's Na, Ne, Ni, No, but no Nu. So it has nothing to do with chemical composition. A different route helped me to understand that "Nu" is a prefix used today to describe something that is modern, especially when it comes to styles of music, as in, nu-metal. Maybe that is helpful to some readers, but others of you may not know what old-metal was, let alone what nu-metal is--that's ok. I'm not a real fan of either.

I once had a Greek Professor, a bit witty and not a little eccentric who told the class, "When people ask you what's nu, tell them that it is the thirteenth letter of the Greek alphabet!" Actually, it's true! It is the thirteenth letter of the Greek alphabet, corresponding to our English letter "N." Most people don't care though, I know, I've given that answer on a few occasions and people just stare at you like you've just lost one of the last remaining marbles in your noggin sack.

For purposes of our discussion, we have to dig a little deeper into the language usage to discover that "nu" is often used of something that is new, as opposed to the old. Since we are on the cusp of a new year, I thought I would explore how important "new" is for the believer.

• New Covenant--It all started here. Jesus went to the cross and sacrificed his very life so that all who believe in him would not perish but experience eternal relationship in his presence. Do I live by the power of the new covenant?
• New Creation--Those who put their confidence in Christ become radically new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away, behold, new things have come!" To know that the old nature, filled with sin and corruption has passed away is tremenous news. Do I live llike a new creature?
• New Commandment--Jesus told us that his followers would exemplify a different behavior when they are connected with him in intimacy. John recorded his words, "A new commandment I give you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples.." Love is a defining quality of Christ-followers. Do I love like He loves?
• New Existance--(for those who like alliteration, sorry, couldn't quite make it work). Revelation 21 is an amazing chapter for in it John records Jesus' words about making all things new--new heaven, new earth, new city Jerusalem, new dwellling place, new emotions, new inheritance...a revolutionary new existence. What glory awaits those who put all confidence in Christ and long for his appearing.

Well, this is only the beginning of new. I want to challenge you to take a concordance, your bible, a pen and paper and conduct a little search of your own. Take a look at the many things that are new because of God's working in our lives. See what ways our newness can transform us into becoming the men and women that he desires us to be. And notice how this newness can make a difference in the world in which we live. Well, enjoy the quest! And to each of you--Happy Nu-Year!

Your Fellow Traveler,
Pastor Dewayne