Category: Scripture Index

  • The Butterfly Bush and New Creation

    While walking along the banks of the Vedder River on Saturday, we came across large patches of these pretty flowers. They reminded me of lilacs although I knew they weren’t. A quick search showed they were butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii), sometimes called summer lilac.

    They originated in China or Japan, were introduced into BC gardens, where they promptly decided they loved the climate and areas around riverbanks. They are now considered an invasive species.

    The butterfly bush blooms through most of the summer, and the long flower stems produce abundant nectar. That makes it very attractive to butterflies and bees.

    Of course, learning the name made us think of butterflies. I didn’t notice any while we were walking, but still they were on my mind. Butterflies are fascinating creatures. They start as fuzzy little caterpillars, pupate in a cocoon and emerge as beautiful, winged insects. They are delightful to watch and gardeners go to great lengths to attract them.

    That transformation made me think of our metamorphosis as Christians.

    Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

    Believers have heard it so often that it has become passe. I think we’ve lost the wonder in what Paul is telling us.

    We are freed from the clutches of death to spend forevermore with Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us and seal us as belonging to God.

    The Lord (who knew us before we existed) continues to work in us to shape us into the image of Christ. He gifts us with faith and spiritual gifts so that our lives have purpose and bear fruit.

    It’s amazing stuff. A caterpillar becoming a butterfly is amazing. A sinner saved is so marvelous that the heavens rejoice.

    Rejoice in His great love for us.

    Kevin

    SUMMARY

    I found butterfly bush blooming along the Vedder River this week. It got me thinking about how becoming a new creation in Christ is its own kind of transformation.

    TAKEAWAY

    If you’re in Christ, you are already a new creation, not a work in progress waiting to become one.

    You’re no longer enslaved to sin. The freedom Paul describes here is meant to feel as decisive as a caterpillar’s change into a butterfly.

    The Holy Spirit lives in you as proof you belong to God, an identity that doesn’t depend on your own effort.

    You might also enjoy

    Celebrate your identity

    The gospel – the good news

    Creation is a signpost

    Birdsong – thoughts on the created order

  • Famous Final Words

    Don’t be fooled by the title; Gleanings isn’t going anywhere. We plan to be around as long as God calls us to be here. The title comes from the fact that I thought about famous last words the other evening. Some are ironic; others profound.

    American Civil War General John Sedgwick was killed at the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse on May 9, 1864, by a long-range shot from a sharpshooter. He is remembered for his final words, “They couldn’t hit an elephant at this distance.

    Peter Abelard, the famous 12th-century philosopher, after a lifetime of study and thought: “I don’t know.” The more we know, the more we learn that we do not know.

    Queen Elizabeth 1: “All my possessions for a moment of time.” A little late to recognize that material goods do not replace other, more valuable things

    Thomas Becket, early chancellor of England, shortly before being murdered by knights of King Henry II: “For the name of Jesus and the protection of the church I am ready to embrace death.” A martyr for the faith.

    Musician Al Jolson: “This is it! I’m going. I’m going.” We all have to go sometimes.

    Author H.G. Wells: “Go away. I’m all right.” He was as wrong about that as he was about Christ.

    French revolutionary George Jacques Danton: “Show my head to the people. It is worth seeing.” George had a colossal ego right until the end.

    Basketball legend “Pistol” Pete Maravich collapsed during a game. His final utterance was: “I feel great.” Perhaps, not so great there, Pete.

    Blues singer Bessie Smith died saying, “I’m going, but I’m going in the name of the Lord.” That is a profound ending.

    Many of the words of Jesus were recorded for us by the authors of Scripture. All the words he spoke are profound and inspired, but His final words on the cross strike a chord.

    Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Luke 23:46 ESV

    Jesus closes His life with the words of Psalm 31:5, speaking to God the Father. We see his complete trust in his heavenly Father. Jesus entered death in the same way he lived each day, offering up his life as the perfect sacrifice and placing himself in God’s hands.

    We would do well to emulate Jesus’ final words in our daily lives. Taking the time to remember God and praying is a great place to start the day. There is no better place than we can be than in the dead center of God’s will.

    Being in the center of His will doesn’t mean things will always be easy. The narrow road is often difficult. Yet, our Lord is Sovereign, and He wants what is best for His children. His will may ordain tough times, but He will not leave us there.

    The last words of Scripture are a blessing:

    The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Revelation 22:21 ESV

    Here is the whole promise of God encapsulated in a few words. God’s grace poured out on those who love Him. What a beautiful promise and ending.

    Until next time, take some time to savor God’s wondrous grace.

    Kevin. 

    SUMMARY

    I’ve been thinking about famous last words lately, from generals to queens to musicians. Comparing them to Jesus’ final words on the cross, only one offers real hope.

    TAKEAWAY

    Queen Elizabeth realized too late that “material goods do not replace other, more valuable things” — you don’t have to wait until your final hour to act on that.

    Jesus’ final words were trust, not fear: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” That’s the same trust you’re called to live out now, not just at the end.

    Scripture’s own last words are a promise for you: God’s grace poured out on those who love Him.

    Check These Out

    The good news of the gospel

    Why everyone knows the truth

    Flakes of Mica

    The Calling