spring...

(photo from Veer.com)

Revelation 21 (New International Version)

The New Jerusalem

¹Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. ²I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. ³And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

⁵He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

With Spring fresh on my mind, as I read this passage I couldn't help but think about not only the amazement of the second coming and how glorious that will be, but also how much it will feel like the most beautiful spring after the longest, coldest winter. Life now is full of death and pain. Many of us think that overall life isn't all that bad- as long as you have the basic needs of food, shelter, clothing and someone to love. But those we love can choose to betray us or let us down. Those we love can pass away. There is love in this world, and there is also hate and we hate to say goodbye to those we love. There's a reason for that. We all desire to never have to say goodbye, because it was never intended for us to be separated from those we love forever.
I cannot count the times I've heard the phrase, "Where was God?" Whether it be after the loss of a loved one, after a terrifying disaster like 9/11.. after the hurricanes and earthquakes that have devastated so many. Where was God? He was reaching out to people so that when disaster strikes, when death comes, life and LOVE stands on the other side with open arms. He was there in the darkness to comfort us and lead us to His light. He looked death square in the face on that cross and through his actions said there was no place for it anymore. Him rising again shows that DEATH could not hold him back. He is enough.


The next post will be full of new pictures..
The new apartment, the growing bump, and other spring things, so check back soon :)