Butterfly Tree

Therefore, if anyone be in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 RKJV

While attending a nature seminar I listened to an expert talk about his love for butterflies. He raises these winged jewels and sells them for special occasions such as weddings, funerals and other memorable events. Some of his butterflies have even appeared in movies.

I was especially struck with his story about how he decorated his Christmas tree one year. He told of how he refrigerated a large number of chrysalides to slow down the process of metamorphosis. As he decorated his tree with them he lowered the thermostat in the room. Rising before his family in the wee hours of Christmas morning, he raised the thermostat to just the right temperature required to have the butterflies hatch at a precise time. When his family came downstairs the tree was alive with brilliantly colored butterflies gently fanning their wings to dry. What a gorgeous sight to behold!

Like the butterfly that must leave behind the ugly cocoon to soar on its beautiful wings, when we receive the Lord's gift of salvation, we exchange our old self with its burden of sin and gladly put on the new self that is beautifully clothed in His righteousness.

As I reflected on the poignancy of the moment when I became a new creature in Christ, leaving behind my old self while reveling in the freedom I found through His forgiveness, I thanked the Lord for the wonderful gift of His Son, Jesus.

Dearest Father, thank You for providing the way for us to leave our old self behind and be made new in You. Amen.


(c) Bonnie M. Evans 2010