I received this early twentieth century looking glass frame in the condition which is shown in the photographs below. All four of its joints were no longer sound, the back was badly delaminated, its lower edge had twisted and it was very near the point of no longer possessing the ability to bear the weight of the heavy 3/8 inch thick glass. Its disheveled state required complete disassembly and structural correction before being restored to its former strength, beauty and overall integrity.
As I was working on this piece, I felt a sort of kinship with it. I often feel unsure of myself or feel as though I may come apart at the seams. There are times when I feel dirty, broken, unwanted and even useless; “Hardly a shining example of a Christian,” I think to myself. “Hardly worthy of God’s forgiveness.”
In Genesis, we are told that, out of all of God’s creations, only human beings were bestowed with the honor of being created in His image.
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness...” (Genesis 1:26a) “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” (Genesis 1:27)
However, Genesis 3 tells us that we sinned and that, essentially, that image had been tarnished and broken and was in desperate need of restoration in order to avoid the scrap heap.
In the course of events and lessons throughout the entire Old Testament, God shows us that we cannot bring about our own restoration; the techniques are too exacting and require perfect execution. Only God Himself can restore us. It is a gift which cannot be merited and He reveals how we may receive such a gift through the miraculous work of His Son.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. {17} For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son...” (Romans 8:29a)
“But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. {18} 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 3:14,18)
It does not matter how you have lived your life thus far. No matter how many mistakes you have made and how many bad decisions you have made, they can all be washed away if you make the decision to give your life to Christ. Only He can offer you complete restoration.
Sincerely and respectfully,
Mr. Stafford
Comments