People restore things all the time. Someone might take a 1950’s Chevy truck and make it shine like it was new. Others might take an Oldsmobile and make it road safe, even if it isn’t shiny, something old was made usable again.
Even if that Oldsmobile wasn’t made road safe, it could still have been restored to driveable so that it could be used as a “go kart” out in the country.
With this blog post I have also restored something old (my writing ability) to be used for something new (writing a blog).
Turning something old into something new can also happen with people. For instance, when someone becomes a Christian they have “put on the new man” (Ephesians 4:24 KJV).
What does it mean to “put on the new man?”
Well, take the example of the Oldsmobile; you start with a car that, really, is good for nothing. Ok, almost nothing. You could sit on it, or use it for scrap metal, but it’s useless when it comes to what it was designed for – driving.
Then someone comes along and decides they want to make this car do what it was supposed to do. They start by finding the problem areas, then turn to finding solutions. Say the fan belt is shredded, and the battery is corroded, and the front right tire is flat. All those things this person fixes. With time and effort the Olds is ready to drive again!
Now how does that explain anything? Let’s put this into terms relatable to humans. As a human, you are born perfect into an imperfect world and as a result fall into imperfection, a.k.a sin. Sin makes you like the Olds, instead of dirt in the carburetor, you have dirt in your mind. Instead of a corroded battery you have a heart that fails to love and is so puffed up with pride, it can’t help those around you.
The Bible says humans were made for God’s pleasure and that we are to praise and glorify Him.
For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.”
Psalm 149:4 KJV
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”
Revelation 4:11KJV
Jesus saw that this was not happening and so he came along and decided to restore you to doing what you were made to do. First, He started by washing you clean so that you are no longer covered in the filth of your sins. Then, he saw your heart of stone and gave you a new heart of flesh (Ezekiel 11:9 KJV). With the simple act of repentance and God’s forgiveness you have been made new! You can now selflessly praise and glorify God without the interference of sin!
After the changes that get you back into drive, Jesus starts to work on the details like shining up the rims on the Oldsmobile.
Isn’t it wonderful that someone decided to restore you? I’m sure glad He restored me!
If you haven’t experienced this restoration, be sure to find it at the right body shop! Jesus, the greatest mechanic can be reached anytime, toll free, no annoying hold music for hours, at…. prayer.
– Hannah