Metamorphasis

metamorphosis  [Gr.,=transformation], in zoology, term used to describe a form of development from egg to adult in which there is a series of distinct stages. Many insects, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans, and fishes undergo metamorphosis, which may involve a change in habitat, e.g., from water to land. Metamorphosis is called complete when there is no suggestion of the adult form in the larval stage, e.g., in the transformation from tadpole to frog or from larva to pupa to adult in bees and butterflies. When the successive larval stages resemble the adult (as in the grasshopper and the lobster), metamorphosis is called incomplete. http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Metamorphosis

At a leadership gathering last night, one of the ladies shared about the amazing experience she had on the National Day of Prayer. As she was driving home she encountered hundreds of butterflies all around, this continued for miles and on different roads. What the Lord shared with her is her story to tell; but this sparked a teaching my mother has taught for years.  As I shared this teaching another woman asked if I'd write it down and send it to her- so here we are!

The transformation/change/transfiguration of a butterfly is amazing. A monarch butterfly starts out as an egg, grows into a larvae with 5 stages, creates a cocoon and emerges as this gorgeous butterfly! What a phenomenal change - this metamorphosis!

The Greek term μεταμορφόω, from which we get metamorphosis, is used only 4 times in the New Testament: Matthew 17:2, Mark 9:2, Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 3:18. (met-am-or-fo'-o Strongs #G3339)

The Gospels tell us of the Transfiguration of our Lord on the mountain.

(2)And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. (3)And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. (Mark 9:2-3 KJV)

The two Epistles speak of the transformation of the believer.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Rom 12:2 KJV)
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Cor 3:18 KJV)

Before we knew Jesus there was no power for change, not true change. We could altar our behavior, we could fake it, and we could wear masks or play roles. However, true internal life change is only possible through the power of our Lord.

When we said "Yes!" to Jesus, we were taken out of darkness and transfered to the Kingdom of the Son of God's love (Col 1:13). Our salvation is a gift from Almighty God through the blood of our Saviour.

With this miracle working, world forming, life saving power, we can be transformed....wait, let me reword that.  We ARE transformed into a beautiful creature. Past tense - not future tense.

We are no longer grub worms, dirt crawling, bottom feeding scavengering creatures only seeking our own pleasure. We are both transformed and being transformed!  We are changing - metamorphing- from one dimension of GLORY to another dimension of GLORY. (Note: we start with glory.)

Hang on tight- not for survival, but hang on as we change, as we get gooder and gooder things (sorry, bad English), shifting as we access the supernatural into and through the natural.

Let us press upward for the prize spoken of in Philippians 3. Get our gaze off the dirt!! Lift up your heads, hear the voice of your God and King!

I love you, my child. I redeemed you, I have cleansed you. I have made you holy and blameless in my sight. Come, rise up and embrace your Beloved. Walk with me, fly with me, and live in the freedom and power that I have secured for you. I love you.

Grace and Life to you,