Friday, February 21, 2014

A New Birth

Cripple Creek, Colorado

I can't imagine how long it took the person to sculpt this butterfly. Every inch of this butterfly was carefully crafted.

However, in a matter of days this new creation will disappear into a puddle of water. Maybe it will start with one of its antennae falling off, or the wings drooping. However it happens, one day the butterfly will melt.

The butterfly has been used by Christians as a symbol of the resurrection of the dead. This promise of the resurrection has worked a new birth in us, and unlike this sculpture, our new life will not melt away.

"However, when God our Savior made his kindness and love for humanity appear, he saved us, but not because of anything we had done to gain his approval. Instead, because of his mercy he saved us through the washing in which the Holy Spirit gives us new birth and renewal." Titus 3:4 God's Word to the Nations

This new creation, this new birth, will last because it is based on what God has done not what we do. What we bring to the table will melt like this butterfly, even as beautiful as it is. Even our best works that we bring to God will not last.

Through the mercy of God, who didn't spare his own Son, we have been given our new birth and renewal. This is a new birth that is ours today and will last for eternity.

There are times that it might feel like we're melting, that our faith is weakening, that we'll never stand up to the heat of life. Just as it is the Holy Spirit who gives us this new birth, it is the Holy Spirit who sustains this new birth.

Like this butterfly, God has given you a new birth by carefully crafted you into a work of art. This work of art has been sealed with his mercy. This work of art lasts forever.

Join the conversation at Praying With the Eyes on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/groups/173881749421231/

(Click on picture to enlarge.)

Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-14 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR

No comments:

Post a Comment