An interesting creation fact…
…The fourth generation of monarch butterflies is a little bit different than the first three generations. The fourth generation is born in September and October and goes through exactly the same process as the first, second and third generations except for one part. The fourth generation of monarch butterflies does not die after two to six weeks. Instead, this generation of monarch butterflies migrates to warmer climates like Mexico and California and will live for six to eight months until it is time to start the whole process over again. http://www.monarch-butterfly.com/
I was considering the Greek word metamorphoō today, which means “to change into another form.” It is used only 4 times in the Scriptures, and there are certainly lessons to be learned here.
“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.” (Mark 9:2, also in Matt 17:2)
“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 Corinthians 3:18)
“And be not conformed [outward, W.E. Vine] to this world: but be ye transformed [inward process, W.E. Vine] by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. ” Romans 12:2
This led me to consider a different word, allassō, which means “to make other than it is” (W.E. Vine). I believe it is used, in a good sense, only in 1 Corinthians 15.
“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1Corinthians 15:51-52).
Finally, metaschēmatizō , meaning “to change in fashion or appearance, change outwardly, fashion anew” (W.E. Vine) is found here:
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21 NKJV)
C. H. Spurgeon writes,
See that creeping worm, how contemptible its appearance! It is the beginning of a thing. Mark that insect with gorgeous wings, playing in the sunbeams, sipping at the flower bells, full of happiness and life; that is the end thereof. That caterpillar is yourself, until you are wrapped up in the chrysalis of death; but when Christ shall appear you shall be like him, for you shall see him as he is. Be content to be like him, a worm and no man, that like him you may be satisfied when you wake up in his likeness. (December 30, Morning and Evening)
God has given us a beautiful picture of transformation and resurrection by giving us the metamorphosis of a butterfly. We are being transformed down here, but the final, great transformation will take place in a moment, when we are raptured up to be with Christ to a much nicer climate than Mexico! Are you excited?
What are your thoughts on this subject?