Looking Forward To Spring
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
We always look forward to spring in this part of the world. After experiencing a hard Western New York winter, we’re all so happy to see the arrival of warmer temperatures, green grass, and more daylight. Spring brings a unique sense of newness and freshness, unlike other seasons.
This time of year also fills us with joy because it is the Easter season. In the church, Easter begins with the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection and goes until Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit comes into the world in a new way. Both of these concepts also show us ideas of new life. The season of Lent prepares us for the death and resurrection of Jesus through a time of reflection and discipline. We appreciate the celebration of life renewed at Easter more because of the journey, similar to the feelings we experience at the first signs of spring after winter.
We’ve all heard the old saying April showers bring May flowers. Although most of us would prefer to skip the showers, we know they are necessary for the flowers to bloom. Similarly, the sacrifices we endure to help us develop a deeper appreciation of Jesus’ holiness and discipline develop our Christlike character. Now that Lent is over, it’s important to remember that it was always a means to a greater end. We shouldn’t lose sight of the reason for our sacrifices. God was doing a new thing in us, and we should cherish God and God’s work in our lives.
The verse from Isaiah is part of a passage where God is helping the nation of Israel understand that God is about to do something that the world hasn’t seen. God will move in their lives in ways they can’t imagine yet. It parallels the miraculous way God works in Christ. Most of us would never perceive that God would save us by breaking the power of sin and death through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
As we recognize the love of Christ and seek to love Him in return, our hope becomes to love others like He does. Changing to be more like Jesus is always difficult. Although the change may have been tough at the start, hopefully, it’s easier now. You’ve come through the rain. Even if the flowers aren’t in full bloom, you can probably see spouts.
Even if it wasn’t an intentional time of growth like Lent, our spiritual winters lead to spring in our souls just like the natural seasons do. Death becomes resurrection. If you’re in a difficult season, remember that seasons change. God continues to do new things. They will spring forth in your life even if you can’t perceive them yet. Spring is a time when we see so much new life. Having come through Lent into this Easter season, celebrate the new thing that God is doing in you.
Remember that He is Risen! He is risen indeed! It changes everything!
Pastor Scott
