Setting Things Straight

A number of my children have worn braces over the years due to inherited crooked teeth. (An unfortunate trait from my side of the family.) We have been blessed to be able to provide this modern day miracle for our children, at least up to this point. It is amazing the difference braces make, and the help this advancement in dentistry has been to many people over the years.

Orthodontics are not just about appearances either. Many have been helped with problems such as “bad bites”, improper alignment of teeth, facial and jaw irregularities, TMJ, and much more.

Our latest child to have braces just had his removed a few days ago, at the time of this post. He has dealt with them for three years, going to many appointments, having lots of pokes and prods, and plenty of after-appointment-pain. When he first began, many of his teeth were out of place and quite a mess of crookedness.

But the final result of dealing with the numerous inconveniences is quite striking. The teeth are set straight, all in their proper place, functioning as they should. 

Orthodontics are a reminder to me that God is in the business of setting all things straight. Even dental braces are a real life example of this. Modern medicines and a host of other achievements demonstrate the glory of God and the work of Christ within this world. 

Jesus has come. He has lived, died, risen, and ascended to the throne. He began setting things straight—everything from evil hearts, to blinded eyes, to broken limbs, to the defiant grave. Jesus changed things! And glory to God, His work is still going on today. And, I would add, I believe we ain’t seen nothin’ yet.

Everything changed after Jesus came, and things will never be the same. He rules in this world, and through the hands and feet and minds of people, He is setting all things straight—making all things new. Orthodontics (in some ways at least) are a rather trivial example, but an example nonetheless.

Sure, there is still much to be set straight in this world. And it always takes a lot of work, time, pain and other inconveniences. But if we have eyes to see, there are thousands of examples of the works of Christ in this world. 

Yes, I believe we even have orthodontics in this world because Jesus came here. And I give Him all the glory each time I see those beautiful, straightened smiles.

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