Meditations on Spring: A Resurrection Tale
Jesus said..., “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?” — John 11:25-26
Have you ever considered the wonder of spring? The explosion of wildflowers is sudden, dramatic, and everywhere you turn. Another orange sea on the side of the road. Purple hillsides that once were gray. In an instant, spring blossoms to life. The birds loudly chirp again, and the sun beats down with a long-forgotten heat. Spring is a resurrection tale. Embedded in the very fabric of God’s creation, this glorious season points to resurrection, a story of death to life, an example of suffering and then glory. Let me explain...
When we think of the winter months, what comes to mind? It’s cold, dark, damp. Animals hibernate, trees have lost their leaves, and many plants experience a death of sorts. Winter is a creational picture of death, a season of cold suffering. But winter comes to an end every year, and spring bursts forth. Animals return, bearing their young. An explosion of color fills the landscape. The mulberry tree is lush, and the sun’s heat warms us yet again. The death of winter gives way to life. Spring is a resurrection tale, death to life embedded in the seasons, in the very fabric of God’s creation.
Our lives reflect this resurrection tale. Some seasons of life are filled with death, sometimes literally, other times figuratively. Trials abound. Loss is palpable. We can barely catch our breath. All is dark and suffering weighs heavy. And yet, other seasons are filled with joys – the birth of a new baby, pancakes at Grammy’s, the joy of watching our children marry in the Lord, new life for a wayward child. Oh, what joy this life brings! And yet, those winters of life are dark, damp, cold. In God’s mercy, he often mixes the joys of life with sorrow, so that the sorrows don’t overwhelm us. But there are some seasons that are rightly called “winter,” with other seasons a metaphorical “spring.”
I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and courageous. Wait for the Lord. —Psalm 27:13-14
What does the resurrection tale of spring teach us, as we seek to live unto God in this world?
Resurrection is good news! Jesus’s resurrection from the grave is the basis of our sure hope. He died a gruesome death, a very real “winter” of body and soul. Yet on the third day, He sprang to life. Because He lives, by faith we live! Death has been swallowed up in victory! Do you believe? (1 Corinthians 15:54-55)
By faith in Jesus, we experience the “spring” of new life in Christ, the old is gone the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). The death of “winter” once characterized our life. Now, it is “spring” in the Lord Jesus! Have you passed from death to life by faith?
As God’s beloved children, we are called to die to ourselves daily and live unto Him, mini seasons of death and resurrection each day, sometimes each moment. If a seed dies, it bears much fruit (John 12:24-26). Are you dying to yourself today?
Resurrection doesn’t mean ease in this life. In fact, the pattern of our Savior’s life was death to life, suffering and then glory. How can we expect otherwise? If our Master endured “winter” in this life, are we to expect “spring”? (John 16:33, Philippians 1:29)
In the grand scheme of things, this life truly is a “winter” of the soul. But there will be a day when it will always be “spring” and never “winter.” Suffering will turn to glory in the presence of our Lord, and death will give way to eternal life for His beloved children. Are you longing for that day? (Revelation 21 & 22)
As you gaze upon beauty this spring, remember its resurrection tale. God has embedded resurrection life into the seasons, into the very fabric of creation, that as His children we might see Him and marvel at the hope of the Gospel in every season of life.
If we at Burke Care can help you in your season of “winter” to find the resurrection hope of spring, we would love to walk with you. Schedule care today.