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.