Amazing Transformation
This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt
Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. —1 John 3:2
An article in Discovery magazine (May, 2003) revealed that a new technology had been developed which can turn almost any other substance into oil. The article reports, "‘This is a solution to three of the biggest problems facing mankind,' said Brian Appel, CEO of Changing World Technologies, Inc. ‘This process can deal with the world's waste. It can supplement our dwindling supplies of oil. And it can slow down global warming.'"
It sounds simply too good to be true! Yet, a pilot plant in Philadelphia is already busily transforming garbage from a turkey processing plant into high quality light oil that is almost chemically identical to what we know as "No. 2 Fuel Oil."
This "garbage-in/oil-out" technology is an amazing transformation—one that we can all marvel at. Yet, how much more we should marvel at an even greater transformation—the one God performs in the lives of people! God takes people like you and me, who were according to the Scriptures, "dead in transgressions and sins" and breathes new life into us. That is truly an amazing transformation!
But wait, there's more! God not only breathes new life into us when we respond to Him by faith, but then he continues transforming us day by day to become more like Jesus! God has promised to continue his transforming work for the rest of our lives!
And, if that's not enough— a final, complete transformation will take place one day, when we meet Jesus face to face—and we become "like Him."
There is no doubt that transforming garbage to oil is a great accomplishment. Yet these accomplishments amount to a dim light when compared to brightness and glory of the transforming work that God engages in, bringing us from death to life and remaking us into the image of His Son. Thanks be to God!
GOING DEEPER:
Today, be sure to take time to thank God for the amazing transformation that God has worked in your life.
FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 2:1-4; Colossians 2:13-14; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 3:18, Philippians 1:6
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