The
butterfly
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth
Genesis 1:1
Since the beginning of time God has been identified as the Creator of all things. Just as a piece of art reflects the artist, all of creation reflects the character and nature of God. (Psalm 19:1, Romans 1:20)
Similar to many pieces of creation, butterflies reveal the nature of God in a unique way. The life cycle of a butterfly is closely similar to the life of someone who has put their faith and belief in christ.
Lets see how...
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned. - Romans 5:12
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. - Psalm 51:5
Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. - I John 3:4
And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. - Mark 10:18
The caterpillar
a caterpillar
is born as, well, a caterpillar. There is no other way a caterpillar comes into existence except through an egg.
just as...
the old man
is born into sin, into a life of death. there is no other way to be in existence apart from Jesus. 3000 years ago a man wrote that he was brought forth in iniquity and conceived in sin.
Psalm 51:5 - Romans 5:12
a caterpillar
eats flowers, seeds, leaves, and stems. That is all they eat, their entire apatite is to eat, you might say all they do is destroy, by nature.
just as...
the old man
consumes death and sin by nature, because we are born in sin our apatite is for sin. Sin brings forth death and destruction. its a deadly cycle, consuming sin and dying in sin.
I John 3:4 - Mark 10:18 - Romans 8:5-6
a caterpillar
inherently has a purpose, to become a butterfly. From its birth its goal is to flourish and be a butterfly.
just as...
the old man
is created with purpose, to be in complete unity with Jesus. Since the garden God made his intent clear, to live and walk in fellowship with us.
Genesis 1-3
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. - John 14:6
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. - Luke 9:23
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 12:2
The chrysalis
the chrysalis
is a place of rest, safety, and protection. This is necessary because this is the most vulnerable part of a butterflies life.
the chrysalis
is where the caterpillar is then fully broken down, every part of it, into "goop". Right at the end the caterpillars head pops off.
the chrysalis
is also the place of rebuilding, where the "goop" of the caterpillar is rebuilt into a whole new creature, a butterfly, which cannot go back to being a caterpillar.
just as...
just as...
just as...
the dying man
starts with an encounter with Jesus. Jesus is the only way to the Father, and in him is a place of safety and rest
Hosea 2 - Matthew 4:19-11:28 - Mark 6:7 - John 14:6
the dying man
is completely broken down and brought to a place of total death. Every part of the old man and our flesh is eradicated, including our old mindset.
Luke 9:23-25 - Romans 6 - Romans 12:2
the dying man
is made into a brand new creation, imaging Jesus in everything. They are united with Jesus and seated in Christ at the right hand of the Father.
Galations 2:20 - Ephesians 1:20-2:6
But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. - Romans 8:10
Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. - I John 3:4
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. - Ephesians 1:13
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. - James 1:22
The Butterfly
A butterfly
is, like earlier stated, a new creation. nothing like its old self. Their purpose is to pollinate and add to the environment, unlike how a caterpillar eats and destroys.
just as...
The New Man
is, also stated previously stated, a new creation. Now bearing the image of God and living by faith. By this good works come, unlike the works of the old man.
Romans 8:10-11 - 1 John 3 - John 1:12 - Ephesians 1:13 - James 1:22-23 - 2:14-26 - Ephesians 2:10
