CRAFTED AND SHAPED

 

 April 18, 2024

Ephesians 3:21-22


21when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.


2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Titus 3:5

he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit

CRAFTED AND SHAPED

One of the great images of “Resurrection Transformation” for me is a caterpillar undergoing a miraculous transformation, emerging from its cocoon as a stunning butterfly. The metamorphosis is complete, and the once plain creature is now a beautiful creation, spreading its wings in freedom. I think that is why I follow so closely the Monarch Butterfly in our area, not only the migration but also the local Monarch enthusiasts who plant gardens with milkweed and “rich nectar” flowers to help with the Monarch’s life cycle, rescue their eggs and protect them until they emerge from the cocoon and then are set free into God’s beautiful world.

This image of metamorphosis captures the spirit of 2 Corinthians 5:17, there we see believers portrayed as new creations in Christ. I know this verse show up a great deal in these devotions but what verse better describes God’s amazing grace-filled work through Jesus in us. Like the butterfly shedding its old form, believers leave behind the old self, embracing a transformed life in Christ.

As Jesus followers we are united with Him, revealing His character in our living. Let us recognize this for what it is, a divine miracle of transformation, as we shed our old ways and they give way to the formation of a new spirit, “Christ in Us the hope of glory.” As St Augustine was to put it, “He became who we are so that we could become who He is.”

The result of this marvelous work is the birth of a new creation, God’s masterpiece in Christ, a new me and you, stunningly crafted and shaped in His image.

Gracious God, thank you for making me a new creation in Christ. Help me continually embrace the transformative power of Your Spirit. Guide my choices and perspectives, leading me to the fullness of the new life in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.