Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation (Colossians 1:21-22).

Have you ever watched one of those home makeover shows like “Fixer-Upper,” or “Forever Home,” or the hilariously named “Help! I Wrecked My House!”? An episode typically begins with the bright-eyed couple driving around town in search of a house with “great bones.” 

As they search, we viewers get quick glimpses of dark paneled walls or nasty shag carpeting from the 70’s. We see a postage stamp-sized kitchen with hardly any cabinet space (meanwhile, the couple are master chefs.)

We wonder as we watch, “Which one will they choose? Which one will the TV professionals transform and make new?”

Miraculously, exactly 37 minutes and six commercial breaks later brings us to the moment we have all been waiting for – The Reveal! With dramatic and emotional flair, we witness what was once a dilapidated and dated house, has now been transformed from the inside out. Once a maze of too-small rooms with no natural light, the home is now an open floor plan with expansive windows. The former cramped quarters are now the perfect place for entertaining loved ones, making memories, and experiencing joy! (Or so we see in the closing credits…)

In many ways, this is an apt metaphor for the redemptive work of Christ in our lives. Left to ourselves, we are rundown, and worn out by the stresses and storms of life. Or maybe we are emotionally broken-down by years of unhealthy habits or lifestyles. What we need, and what our soul longs for, is the personal touch of Jesus to restore us into His Likeness. 

In His Masterplan, God doesn’t want us to be weathered and weary. Through the work of Christ, He renovates our hearts and minds so our old ways become new. He tears down walls we have built, that now serve no purpose, in order for Him to shine His Light in and through us. 

Sure, there is regular maintenance that we must attend to, we are not yet perfect. But we have plenty of space for joy in the midst of difficult circumstances. We are secure in our Hope when the storm winds blow. 

Father, thank You that was Your good pleasure to send Your Son, Jesus, to bring about the restoration of all people to Yourself. Thank You that You see past our broken facades and to the glorious potential in us. You don’t see us as we once were – but beautifully refurbished by the Righteousness of Christ. Then, one day, we will experience the most majestic “reveal” of all - when we meet you in our Forever Home!