Life from the Ground

Living in Idaho, I thought spring would come later in May; much to my surprise, the daffodils, tulips, and forsythia began to bloom in mid-March! The colors of light and joy appearing everywhere. Buds were on the trees and pushing forth leaves. Once again, the creation was awakening from its winter sleep.

All my neighbors had things sprouting leaves, but my trees and plants were still dormant. At one point, I wondered if my plants would ever revive. But the timing of sprouts varies from genus to genus. The axiom that “Patience is a virtue” springs to mind and so it was. My yard began to show signs of life a month late and is quickly catching up with the neighbors.

At this time of year, we have a few holy days (holidays) commemorating life and new beginnings: Easter and Passover. Last week we hosted a commemoration of Passover at our home our small group from church during which the bread, wine, Seder plate symbols were explained from Scripture.

It was a joyous time celebrating God’s love for His people and His provision of the Lamb to remove the sins of the world. In Genesis, God asked Abraham to sacrifice his one and only son, the promised heir, as a sign of obedience to follow God in everything.

When Abraham and Isaac arrived at the mountain, on the steep ascent, Isaac asked about the lamb offering. Abraham’s response was that God would provide, and as he was ready to slay Isaac, God revealed the substitute ram in the thicket, saving Isaac from certain death.

This history of the patriarchs was a precursor to what God was going to do with His Son who died on the cross in place of me and everyone who chooses to believe God’s Word. God tells us in Romans 3:23 that “all have sinned and have come short of the glory of God.”

Romans 6:23 tells us that there is a cost to sinning; the sentence is death. But God intervened and offered His sinless Son in our place. We no longer need to die spiritually and spend the future after physical death in hell. A way has been provided for us to spend our future with God the Father and His Son.

To receive this free gift, we must believe God and what He says about our sin, His remedy, and that He keeps His promises. Ephesians 2:8, 9 “For by grace are you saved through faith, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast…”

Believing God is exercising faith; faith is trusting God to be who He says He is. Hebrews 11:6. In this life, we do not have exhaustive knowledge of God, but what we do know, we believe because He is true and does not change.

First John tells us that God loves us. I don’t know about you but having someone love me when He knows all about me, sins and all, is stunning! The Father’s unconditional love gives me the desire to know Him more and to believe the Way He has provided.
Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life and no man can come to the Father but by Me.” But not everyone travels via Christ’s road which is narrow and leads to eternal life; the broad, smooth, and easy path is well traveled but it leads to eternal destruction.

Further, the apostle John set forth the logical argument for Jesus being truly man and God who could live a sinless life. This perfection fulfilled God’s requirement for a blemish free Lamb to be sacrificed for the sins of all mankind.

If you believe God’s word, and accept Jesus as your substitute for your sins, confess your sinfulness to God, request His salvation, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved (Acts 16:31). Good deeds will not save you only trust in Jesus will deliver you from an eternity separated from God.

Will you trust Him today? If you have made this decision, please contact me through the comments section. I would be glad to help you find the resources to assist you in the development of your new life with the Father and Jesus Christ.

Until Next Time,

Maranatha!