The Power of "J"

April 27, 2012


"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:10-11

Did you know that when it comes time for a caterpillar to form a cocoon it attaches itself to a leaf (or as in our case, the top of a lid) and hangs upside down in the shape of a letter "J?" I had no idea! Not until the girls and I watched our fuzzy little guys (or gals) do so this week as part of our 1st grade science curriculum (amazing what you learn while homeschooling your kids!). I find myself awestruck by this seemingly insignificant detail for two reasons.

First, as I stand in front of our school shelf mesmerized by these creatures I capture a clear display of God's love for His Son. I imagine Creation went something like this. God said to Jesus, "I know! Let's make the caterpillar form the shape of a "J" as it prepares to enter the Pupa phase . . . You know, for your name, J-esus." And Jesus said, "Awe shucks Dad, really? Isn't that a little much?" "No way!" responded God. "I want the whole world to know how much I love You!"

God loved His Son SO MUCH that He enabled even the tiny caterpillar to bring glory to His Son's name.

But guess what?

God loves us as much as He loves His Son (John 17:23).

Hard to believe, isn't it?

Maybe God didn't cause Creation to form the first letter of your name. Instead, Scripture says that He writes your name on the palm of His hand (Isaiah 49:16). He rejoices over you in song (Zephaniah 3:17). His thoughts about you outnumber the grains of sand (Psalm 139:18).

God loves you so much He sent His Son to die for you, and for me. God's one and only Son. You know, the Son that He loves so much He causes the caterpillar to form the first letter of His name? God loves you that much.

The second thing which captivates me about our caterpillars is the symbolism they represent of a life transformed by the power of "J." The caterpillar enters the world as a hairy, multi-legged belly-crawler. Not much to look at. But once the caterpillar recognizes it's need for transformation, it grows still and allows the "J" to do its work. And out of the "J" emerges a beautiful creature; one who finds him (or her) self ready to fly.

We must each come to a point where we reach up and attach ourselves to Jesus. He invites us to come away with Him, into our own cocoon while He transforms us by His Word. And like the caterpillar, out of our cocoon will emerge a beautiful creature; one ready to soar on wings like eagles.