Like a Cicada

A few days ago, someone called my attention to a cicada that was coming out of its old skin. Being the first time that I have actually seen the shedding taking place, it was fascinating.

As I snapped pictures of the cicada, I thought of how people are like cicadas. At the moment of salvation, a man sheds his old nature like the cicada sheds his old skin, and is made a new man.

Recently in my devotions, I have been reading a lot of verses about the transformation that takes place at salvation. As a believer, it has been such an encouragement and blessing to remember the wonderful work at the cross and the hope we can have in Jesus if we accept His work on the cross. It is also the greatest privilege to see the same transformation take place in another person.

Please take a few minutes to re-read some of the most beautiful verses in God's Word about our transformation.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3)

If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:21-24)

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. (Romans 6:6-10)

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. (Colossians 3:9-11)

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)

It is my prayer that each of you has experienced the joy of salvation - the transformation of the old man to the new man.