I'm a music junkie and in my own right, a movie connoisseur. So, 9 years ago when I was told that my prized computer's hard drive needed to be re-imaged -- I was certainly displeased! Why? The re-imaging process would prove to restore the hard drive to its factory configuration; but as a part of this same process it would also prove to delete all of my data (music and movies).......a collection that took years to accumulate.
This past week, as I meditated on Genesis 1:27: "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them;male and female he created them;" my wheels began to spin. I was reminded that we (humans) were "imaged" by God and "configured" according to His likeness. As spirit wrapped in flesh made from the dust of the Earth, we are literally a "spitting image" of God, our creator. Yet, it is imperative that we also understand the message of Psalm 51:5 which describes the sinful nature that we all possess from birth. However complicated it may seem, it is important that the process of God's plan to "re-image" us is understood and relayed to the masses. God's original vision for man to walk with Him in perfect communion was severed by Adam and Eve's disobedience. Despite all of this, God still has hopes that we walk with Him and activate the divine authority made available -- a privilege that has heavenly roots.
It should be known that in order to walk in the authority that Luke 10:19 describes, we must be "re-imaged." In other words, we must allow God to cleanse us of our evil nature and iniquity and be restored to our "factory preset image." Note, a "preset" is "prereq." for having life more abundantly (John 10:10). The interesting thing about God's "re-imaging" process is that when we surrender our lives to Him, he erases all of the evil acts committed in our past (Hebrews 8:12). He also provides closure to situations that may of caused hurt. In the midst of doing this He also reconciles us back to Him through faith in His son Jesus Christ. Now, maybe you've never done anything in the past that you're ashamed of, or something(s) you wish you could retract. All I can do is speak for myself, I'm extremely glad that I have a God that is full of mercy! To know that God has the power to make us over, and more importantly, to know that He DESIRES to press "delete" is enough for me to rejoice!
I'm convinced that either you, or someone you know is currently walking through life saddened, depressed and/or in bondage from the PAST. My hopes are that a message of reconciliation be released through the spirit of this post. Jesus the Living Christ is a "master technician," more than capable of "re-imaging" any man or woman's "hard drive." The only thing that can impede such restoration is a failure to realize that His help is needed. Victorious life in Christ awaits those who are ready and willing!
