Transformed by Christ

I know the Word of God is the most important thing in our lives - our understanding and application of it.

But I thank God too, that He gives us illustrations in our daily lives and in creation of His Truth.  When He does this, He to me, is simply bringing to life in "full color," and in animation, what He has told us in His Word that He is doing in our lives, what He can do in us, and what He has already done.

Here is an example.  I took a walk yesterday to a park down by one of the four rivers in Cuenca.  I have to admit, it is so beautiful to take that path and walk by this large, white foamy, flowing river. 

There are also large Eucalyptus trees with massive trunks planted up on the bank by the river.  I took the time and sat down by this river, on a pile of big stones they had made like a bench.  The stones were beautifully wrapped around the trunk of the tree I described.

"When peace like a river attendeth my soul..."  What a blessing.

After a few minutes in this stillness, I proceeded on down the path and stopped at some exercise gizmos they had placed in the park - one of them is like a swing only you are using your legs to go back and forth.  So, I did that for a minute or too.  But while swinging I looked over and saw a beautiful, bright yellow butterfly floating beside me.

Butterflies have always fascinated me because of where they started.  Can you imagine, a butterfly being transformed from a caterpillar?

Now there is a perfect example of God's Word.  Being lost, being conceived in Adam (sin and death) and all its corruption as Romans 5 declares is like a worm.  There is even a hymn with the line denoting that why would the Sovereign die and devote the Sacred Head,  "for such a worm as I?"  Yet at the cross we saw the light and the burdens of our heart rolled away - and yes, there by faith we received our sight, and now are supposed to be happy all the day!

In creation, God designed it so this caterpillar would encase itself for a season in a chrysalis or cocoon.  This is a perfect illustration, to me of God "dealing" with us in our lives in order to "conform us to the image of His Son."  Sometimes trials and difficulties "encase" us, but all for God's purpose to get us to understand His salvation and will.

Now in the case of the caterpillar, I understand it eats a lot and stuffs itself with leaves, until finally it hangs upside down on a limb and spins this cocoon, then eventually emerging into a beautiful butterfly, which we all like to observe.

God though, as He works in us, has made the promise of being transformed by not only by our renewing of the minds, but also by "beholding as in a mirror, the image of Him (Jesus Christ), and the promise of being transformed into the same image.  Here is the Scripture:

"But we ALL, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image, from glory to glory, by His Spirit."  II Corinthians 3:17

The caterpillar by God's design, goes through the process.  We too, by God's design of salvation and Christ coming to dwell inside, go through the process of God's Spirit growing in our spirit in truth and grace, and His life.

Thing is, you never see in nature for the most part, stopping God's design and process.  Yet as for us, because we have those "wills" in our lives, we can thwart God's way in our own lives and beings.  Paul mentions this in his letters about "putting off the old man," and clinging/holding fast to the Head - continuing in faith, and so on.

I find that "holding to" God's promise of Life in us is the truest way to transformation.  If we began in faith, we continue in faith, looking to Jesus Christ all the way.  But is it always "automatic?"  If it were, why did Paul exhort Timothy to "fan the flame - stir up the gift?"

When I saw the butterfly yesterday, I did think of God's promise in His Son "that He who started a good work in you, will complete it until the day of Christ."  Also, that "He is able to do exceedingly above ALL we ask or think, according to the Power (HIM) WHO works in us."  I decided to "fan my faith" in God's Holy precious promises of Truth and Life.

So again, in those Words of Life, there is only one thing for all of us to do:  Believe and Hold to God's promise. 

And actually, I think we should definitely be like the caterpillar and stuff a lot of God's Words of Life into our hearts and minds, turn upside down, hang from a limb, and let God finish His transformation in and through us by Christ Jesus!

Here's to KNOWING The Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus and taking flight,

Sue Gaither