I like to build model cars; since I can’t afford the exotic beauties I admire in real life, their miniature plastic equivalents let me own at least one or two of my favourite automobiles. The objects of my modelling affection are often brightly painted and covered in even shinier Chrome. Chrome, however, represents a bit of a challenge for both the folks that manufacture plastic model kits and we builders. While plastic can be plated with pretty good looking Chrome in the factory, it’s rather expensive. At the same time, it’s not possible for the average hobbyist to chrome plate parts at home.
This presents a problem: if there are any defects in the shiny chrome plating, they are hard to fix. There is no such thing as Chrome paint. Nicks or scratches have to be repaired in some other fashion. Fortunately, there is a way to do just that. One company sells a product that is actually super thin metal that looks pretty much like chrome. This bright shiny metal is so thin it can be applied onto any plastic surface, and since it’s also covered with an ultra-thin layer of adhesive, it sticks in place and provides a permanent Chrome like covering.
One of the really neat things about this product, which is simply called “Bare-Metal” is that it is so thin and pliable, seams can simply be rubbed away. Even if there is a bit of overlap, you can carefully rub the overlap away to the point where the joint becomes virtually invisible. Imagine trying to do that with a piece of cloth. Think of how hard it is to match paint colours and fix a scratch? Wreck a section of your hardwood floor? Good luck trying to match the stain and grain again. Scratch the chrome on your plastic model? Bare-metal will cover up your boo-boo to the point you will never know you did it.
As imperfect children of God, we scratch and dent and wreck ourselves with sins both intentional and accidental. Human fixes can’t hide the reality of our guilt and shame, nor can they repair our relationship with God. When we blow it in the sight of our Heavenly Father, we can’t simply hide or mask our mistakes. The only seamless fix comes from Jesus. Only he can set things straight between God and us. Only he can get rid of our guilt and shame.
Chrome plating makes a dull car part shiny looking. The “Bare-metal” product I described can do the same thing for plastic. Neither, however, actually transforms the object they cover. It’s just a matter of appearance. When Jesus forgives us, however, it’s not just a coat of paint or a layer of Chrome. He doesn’t simply polish us up and send us on our own way. Jesus transforms us from within. He changes our very soul back to the state of purity in which we were first created. That’s the incredible thing about what He did for us on the cross: He didn’t just hide our sin; he buried it with him and then lifted us to new life along with him.
This Easter, as you ponder your life in the light of the cross, remember that just as He rose from the dead, you can have a new life too. Ask for His forgiveness and you’ll have a fresh start. He is risen indeed; you can be too!
This presents a problem: if there are any defects in the shiny chrome plating, they are hard to fix. There is no such thing as Chrome paint. Nicks or scratches have to be repaired in some other fashion. Fortunately, there is a way to do just that. One company sells a product that is actually super thin metal that looks pretty much like chrome. This bright shiny metal is so thin it can be applied onto any plastic surface, and since it’s also covered with an ultra-thin layer of adhesive, it sticks in place and provides a permanent Chrome like covering.
One of the really neat things about this product, which is simply called “Bare-Metal” is that it is so thin and pliable, seams can simply be rubbed away. Even if there is a bit of overlap, you can carefully rub the overlap away to the point where the joint becomes virtually invisible. Imagine trying to do that with a piece of cloth. Think of how hard it is to match paint colours and fix a scratch? Wreck a section of your hardwood floor? Good luck trying to match the stain and grain again. Scratch the chrome on your plastic model? Bare-metal will cover up your boo-boo to the point you will never know you did it.
As imperfect children of God, we scratch and dent and wreck ourselves with sins both intentional and accidental. Human fixes can’t hide the reality of our guilt and shame, nor can they repair our relationship with God. When we blow it in the sight of our Heavenly Father, we can’t simply hide or mask our mistakes. The only seamless fix comes from Jesus. Only he can set things straight between God and us. Only he can get rid of our guilt and shame.
Chrome plating makes a dull car part shiny looking. The “Bare-metal” product I described can do the same thing for plastic. Neither, however, actually transforms the object they cover. It’s just a matter of appearance. When Jesus forgives us, however, it’s not just a coat of paint or a layer of Chrome. He doesn’t simply polish us up and send us on our own way. Jesus transforms us from within. He changes our very soul back to the state of purity in which we were first created. That’s the incredible thing about what He did for us on the cross: He didn’t just hide our sin; he buried it with him and then lifted us to new life along with him.
This Easter, as you ponder your life in the light of the cross, remember that just as He rose from the dead, you can have a new life too. Ask for His forgiveness and you’ll have a fresh start. He is risen indeed; you can be too!
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