Springtime is right around the corner. The cold, frigid winter will soon be behind us and only a memory. The sun will shine in the sky. Green grass will appear on the ground. Trees will begin budding. Flowers and shrubs will make their annual appearance. All of God's creation that seemed to be sleeping will burst forth with life.
How does the season change parallel with God's promises? Here are several that come to mind.
- We fix our eyes on the future eternal - We know that winter is temporary, as are all the four seasons. They don't last, but are eventually eclipsed by the next season. Likewise, this world is not permanent, but will come to an end. Our earthly lives are like a mist or a vapor and only last a short time. 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." By looking to what is ahead we can live with hope and joy.
Springtime in Northern Michigan - We move from death to life - In winter it appears that much of nature has died (when it is actually dormant), but in the spring, new life appears everywhere. Similarly Christians become alive through Jesus Christ being redeemed from a spiritual death. Ephesians 2:4-5 says, "...God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions..."
- We have new life in Christ - A very powerful metaphor of our future state is "the new creation." God created us after the model of Adam and Eve, but they became flawed due to disobedience and sin. The "new creation" comes when we put our faith into Jesus Christ. We're made new, sinless, and blameless. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here."
- Put on Christ like a new garment - The end of winter can become very drab, grey, and dreary. The explosion of spring is like God reclothing His creation with bright vibrant colors and strong sunlight. Christians are told to clothe themselves with Jesus Christ. Take of those sinful rags of wickedness and put on His beautiful wardrobe of righteousness. Romans 13:14 says, "Rather, clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ..."
Winter can seem endless depending on where you live, but change will come. Spring will usher in a new season of beauty, warmth, and new life. Trusting your life to Jesus can morph your old self into a new creation filled with promises for an eternal existence apart from pain, suffering, or loss. Adorning yourself with Jesus and living for Him is positively the best way to usher in any season - spring, summer, fall, or yes, even, winter.
