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Introduction
The theme of “from nothing to something” in the Bible highlights God’s creative power and His redemptive nature, operating on both a universal and a personal level.
Today I want to develop this theme on a personal level. Hence my emphasis will be personal transformation, where God takes individuals who feel “nothing” and gives them purpose, value, obedience and a new direction in life.
A core New Testament Teaching is that in Christ Jesus we can become a new person.
Formless and Empty without God.
2 Corinthians 5: 17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
The Insignificant can become Significant.
Isaiah 60: 22 : The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will do this swiftly.
The Fear of the Lord is knowledge and Wisdom.
Proverbs 2: 1 - 5: My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding - indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
Patterns of Conformation.
Romans 12: 2: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Death of the Old Self.
Galatians 2: 20: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
A Heart Transplant
Ezekiel 36: 26: I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Bread of Life: Spiritual Food
Mark 6: 41 - 43: Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.
God's transforming power is a central theme in the Bible, as is illustrated by the above Bible Verses. In Mark chapter 6 we see the God of heaven and His Son, the Bread of Life, working together to provide for our physical needs. However, let us also see in this miracle Jesus in prayer to His Father and how prayer can impact our lives. May the LORD, our God, recreate you in His Image. Amen.