It’s been a tough couple weeks. Losing my 4-legged friend carried with it more grief than I ever expected. Even our Golden Retriever – Tucker – misses Barney. Moping through the day in an uncharacteristic way.
As we returned from the animal hospital on that Sunday Colleen lamented – “with each death comes new life” – we glance to our right at an Amish farm and there stood a baby colt snuggled up to his mother. Wow. You nailed that one Coll.
It got me thinking about God’s creation. Spring following Winter. New buds on the trees and wildflowers in the fields radiating the beauty of it all. Baby Chickadees, lambs, and goats, fawns, and foxes. Think of all God does to restore what is lost – making all things new. It is – to quote the opening song of the Lion King – “The circle of life”.
Speaking of All Things New – John Eldredge, in his new book entitled the same, writes: “How we feel about our future has enormous consequences for our hearts now. If you knew that God was going to restore your life and everything you loved any day, …. You would have a hope to see you through anything”.
The climax of the entire Bible takes place with these words “I am making everything new” Revelation 21:5. And, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul” Hebrews 6:19. Or how about this from The Message? “an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God”. But why do we lose hope so quickly?
We were never promised ease, comfort, and pleasure but we were promised a lifeline. When Jesus showed up in human form we were given a model of what could be – what will be! Striving to get there isn’t the answer. Knowing God and his character sheds all preconceive notions that we must make this life work for ourselves.
Pondering new life even further, I recalled the saints that rose to life after Christ’s death. Matthew, in chapter 27 (ESV), tells us this. “52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.” I happen to be one of those people that believes the Bible to be 100% true and mean exactly what it says. The problem lies in the fact that interpretations of the original text get lost in translation. Some commentators have their doubts and opinions, but I prefer to settle in on the truth that all scripture is inspired, and God-breathed.
In any event, we see new life, resurrected life come from death – then Christ himself joins His disciples in His renewed state, shortly thereafter. What do you think happened when the Saints rolled into Jerusalem (as the Bible tells us) appearing to many? That must have been wild. What did they talk about? Did they stay that way – resurrected? So many questions that the scriptures leave unanswered. I do know this though, New-life came from death.
We have so much to look forward to. Let’s hold on to the hope given to us through Christ. Look for the new life around you. The God kisses that show themselves each day. BUT, you must stop and notice. Be intentional in looking for the special moments that God places in your path. With people, with our pets, in our circumstances. In all of life. Enjoy His gifts to you. Just like the new colt cuddling up to his Mom. Cuddle up to Jesus and ask Him for that special moment. It waits for you, just around the bend.
All you have to do is notice.
