November 1, 2013 (Friday)
Recently there was a television show about an old, rusted out, pitiful remnant of what used to be a brand new, 1975 model Mini Cooper automobile. A couple of guys bought the heap of trash and took it to their shop where they restored it within one week. Quite an interesting show. They had to haul it in but they drove it out. It was beautiful and looked like it did the day it rolled off the end of an assembly line.
I recall seeing TV shows about makeovers for people. A person volunteered to appear as a run-down unhealthy spectacle of what used to be a proud human being. A team of experts ushered her off stage to a dressing room where they worked miracles with makeup and hairdos. Then she came back onstage to many “Wows” by the audience. She looked like a brand new person.
There’s something exciting about such events. Have you ever read the Scripture verses which promise change to every person? Here it is: “.. if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV).
An evangelist came to our church 46 years ago. He was well-dressed, well-spoken and told with grace and a thankful heart how the Lord had come into his heart and changed his life. He had been a narcotics addict, a gang leader and an all round bad person. But he met Jesus Christ, and became a new person!
Jesus stands at the crossroads of life today, calling to everyone who will hear: “”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV).
He helps people. He saves people. He changes people if they need to change. And the change is for the better.