New Life

We can learn so much about God and life by looking at nature. Paul tells us in Romans 1:20 - "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made..."
 I was pondering some things the other day while looking at a caterpillar. People are like caterpillars in many ways:

• Both are creations of God.
• Both are complex and unique in their makeup.
• Both must undergo transformation in order to reveal God's true beauty their life!

 A caterpillar is a wonder to look at because God created it, but there is not much beauty in it. Its markings may be beautiful and unique, but it is slow moving, round and rarely noticed. Before we die to self and come alive in Christ, our life is like the caterpillar's: mundane and spent seeking self fulfillment. In a butterfly's life cycle, the chrysalis (or pupa) is the transformation stage within which the caterpillar tissues are broken down and the adult insect's structures are formed. We can liken this to the sanctification that Christ develops in us over time through our journey with Him. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." Transformation for the caterpillar comes when it emerges from the darkness of the chrysalis into new life as a beautiful mature butterfly. Transformation for us as humans comes when we emerge from the darkness of living in our sins and are reconciled to God through Christ Jesus unto new life in Him!! Though the life long process may be painful at times, God's goal of forming us to the image of Christ is so worth letting go of any comfort that we might hold dear.


Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your patience and work in our lives. May we as Your creation bring you glory today and forever!! AMEN!!



(pictures taken at the butterfly exhibit at Close Memorial Park in Springfield)