S - 2
Corinthians 3:18 (NIV): "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the
Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing
glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
O -
Transformed (μεταμορφόω: to change into another form) is the point of
the work Jesus is doing in everyone who follows him. He brings us help not self-help;
transformation not reformation. The word metamorphosis comes from this Greek
verb and is demonstrated in nature by the caterpillar turned butterfly. How
does the caterpillar accomplish this? By
being a caterpillar; by simply living out its design as God intended. The
caterpillar does not decide when or how this happens. In Scripture transformation is demonstrated
in the life of Jesus when he went up on the mountain and had a chat with Moses
and Elijah. How did Jesus manage
this? By being Jesus. How do followers of Jesus become a new
creation, a transformed human who reflects his glory? By following, by being
his disciple, by staying near! Transformation is his work not ours.
A - Caterpillars don't try to become
butterflies … they simply do. Jesus wasn't straining to be transfigured …
he simply was. This is the beauty of
Jesus and his followers. He does the
transforming, we stay near and follow.
Transformation is so glorious and heavenly we can't do it. It is his work and spirit in us which
accomplishes this change where heaven touches earth and from glory to glory our
lives are, my life is, transformed.
Jesus insists that I hold every life in the hope of transformation …
even or especially my own.
P - Lord
who helps us,
Thank you for this day and
the hope of transformation it already contains by your will, design and
presence. I admit that you've already
decided that I should be transformed and conformed into the image of Jesus and
this I do welcome and believe. I'll stay
near and follow as your friend and disciple … you'll do the transforming. Jesus, I'm not asking for self-help but
help. I love you back.
Steve
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