True Transformation

The poet Ovid was a hero to many in the world into which Jesus was born.

Around 2 AD, shortly after Jesus’ birth, Ovid captured the imagination of many with Metamorphoses.

Hungry for new forms of expression, he had turned to Greek mythology and developed a wide variety of stories on the general theme of the transformation of the characters into new shapes, such as from human to animal or plant. His inventive ideas captivated a large audience.

Ovid sensed that he had created a masterpiece. In the concluding sentences, he declared, “And now, I have completed a great work.” He believed that this would stand the test of time and make him “immortal, far above the stars on high.” And he said, “In all the coming years of future ages, I shall live in fame.”

This book did help Ovid achieve fame, and he remained popular for centuries. It still is admired and studied for his literary innovations. But, while enjoying this success, Ovid’s personal life took a tragic turn when he was banished to a remote region by Caesar Augustus in 8 AD. There he died.

Ovid represents a model for the kind of impact many desire: a life dedicated to fame and success. This still is appealing for many people. Yet often this can be like chasing the wind (Ecclesiastes 1:14).

Jesus provides a completely different model. Those who are His followers know that their “citizenship is in heaven.” He promises not just to make a small difference in our lives or help us improve slightly, but rather He will make us a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). He is the only source of true transformation and eternal life.