We have this tree in the front yard. It appears to be some kind of maple. In one way it is an answer to prayer, because Sandie and I spent many years in NY and MA and big trees with colorful fall foliage are a favorite of ours. There may be no winter here in California, but we do have fall foliage … right out the kitchen window! Thank you, Lord, for the magnificent transformation of green to red and gold. In another way, this lovely arbor is a curse. At a certain time of year it sprays sap. I’m not sure how it does it; I just know that if we park our cars in the driveway beside the tree, they come away with a fine mist of stickiness all over. Thank God for the transformation a good car wash can affect. Dull and sticky on the way in, smooth and shiny on the way out.
Today’s text talks about a magnificent transformation by way of washing that is nothing short of miraculous. Paul writes to Titus of the radical change (not just turning a leaf, but down deep to the root) that occurs in salvation. Here, Paul calls it “the washing of rebirth.” It is that wonderful Trinitarian cleansing that the Father showers over us; a downpour of the Holy Spirit through the Savior Jesus Christ. It is a flood of transformation that changes everything.
By the washing of salvation we are transformed out of foolishness, disobedience, deception and enslavement into rebirth, renewal, justification and adoption. There can be no greater transformation and no greater activators: the kindness, love and grace of our glorious God. And look at the stark contrast there – He has kindness for those who “lived in malice.” He has grace for the covetous and love for the hater. Is this God amazing and deserving of our praise, or what?!
Can we take any credit for some part of this miracle transformation? No. “… He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done …” We didn’t do anything to earn, inspire, or catalyze this spiritual transaction. We are changed by grace. God’s generosity through Jesus burst the floodgates of heaven and down came the Spirit of God, cleansing our souls from the inside out. Washed so clean as to qualify us as brand new people – born again. Wouldn’t it be wild to send my car into the car wash as a 2004 model and have it come out the other side a 2011? A washing of rebirth and renewal! When my maple tree changes into its autumn attire, it is beautiful to behold. Even more stunning is the dormant, leafless maple springing back to life in early April. What to say then of a human being experiencing change at the core of their being? The old becomes new; the dull becomes beautiful; the dormant comes springing to life!
And all God asks of us on the other side of transformation is to do good. It takes care and requires devotion, but we can do what is good. The Lord has made us good to do good. We are capable of excellence now and are able to bless every one - God, others and self. “Be careful to devote [yourself] to doing what is good.” Be good every day. Be good to all people. Imitate God, who in the face of malice, envy and hatred,
brought His kindness and love to bear.
And saved us,
by His mercy.
Pray: Savior, I simply stand in awe of what you have done. I am dumbfounded at the appearance of your loving-kindness. I am eternally grateful for your mercy and grace. Help me to do good as acts of thanksgiving and worship. Help me to devote myself to this. Bring many more to the rebirth and renewal of salvation by the washing of your Spirit.
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