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Spring -- new life -- my life and yours. His life -- He gave -- Do you believe? Do you believe John 3:16? For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
The signs are everywhere, aren't they? Baby chicks, newborn lambs, cute little ducklings and calves! New foals, and soon, here on this mountain, I'll begin to see new fawns. The proof of spring is all around us to see.
Along with spring, I always associate Easter, a different sort of new life. Though at first glance, it may not be as visible as those new critters, but none the less, it can be seen -- or can it?
Have you ever noticed how spring washes away the dread of winter? All the frozen ground softens and brings forth new life. Flowers pop up, mesmerizing us with their magnificent colors and lovely fragrances. Each one is distinct from the others. We know the smell of lilacs as well as honeysuckle and roses. There's just no mistaking them.
But what about you, my Christian friend? I ask myself, as well. Do we give off a very distinct fragrance as we go about our lives? Or are we like sour grapes? There's no mistaking that smell, is there?
I was told once by a pastor friend that I should make it my goal to give of the sweet fragrance of having been with Jesus. I don't like to admit that I too often do not. I am a sinner, saved by grace, and I fail, though my heart longs to be in tune with my Jesus.
Thomas, doubting Thomas was known for just that. When Jesus rose from the grave and showed Himself to His disciples, Thomas stated that he would not believe unless he saw the nail scars on Jesus' hands and feet. He had not yet seen Jesus, but refused to believe the report of those who had. When at last he did see those scars, Thomas proclaimed, "My Lord and my God!"
May I ask you, reading friend, what proof do you give to the world that you have been with Jesus? If others were looking for proof that you were a Christ follower, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Could they say that you give off the sweet fragrance of having been with Jesus?
I stand condemned! So often, too often I'm afraid, in my defense of my faith, I tend to be just that; defensive. Yet, Jesus needs no defense! He came, He lived among us. He showed us the Father. He taught well. He performed miracles, and then He ascended to heaven where He sits at the right hand of God, the Father. The Bible tells us He makes intercession for us to the Father with groans we cannot understand. His love is deep. Do YOU believe?
We live this life by faith; believing for what we cannot yet see. Jesus showed His nail scarred hands to those who walked with Him, yet some were still skeptical. Ponder that. Aren't there so many surrounding us who need the Savior? Who will tell them? Will you speak the words they need to lead them to Jesus? Or will your testimony make Jesus unbelievable? Lord, forgive our unbelief! Forgive us in those times we fail You!
Easter is upon us soon. I believe the hearts of many are ripe for salvation. Who will tell them? The Bible says in Romans 10:14, 15: But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"
As I write, my home smells luscious of sourdough bread baking. I began that venture over a year ago. I've made bread for nearly forty years, but this sourdough can be tricky. The starter must be fed regularly. Temperatures need to be just right to make the bread rise. So many details to tend to. I don't always get it right. It can be frustrating and sometimes I wonder why all the bother. I have honey whole wheat mastered, and it's delicious. But there are many who think that sourdough is the real thing and the only way. So, I keep on.
What if we gave the same attention and devotion to sharing Jesus as we do to making bread? What if our faith and the way we live our lives drew others to Him and they longed to follow Him, too? What if our lives gave proof of us having been with Jesus? What if we steadfastly gave off His fragrance and some hurting soul came to Jesus for saving? What if…
We recently had a new grandbaby in our family. Sweet little Riley Nicole. I cannot wait to hold her! There's nothing quite as sweet as a newborn baby! Even the way they smell; the newness of life. Holding a newborn for the very first time is proof enough to me of the goodness of God. A new life…a new soul in the family to know Jesus. I pray that as she grows, I will be faithful to tell her of Jesus' love, of His nail scarred hands and how He died so she could have eternal life. I pray that, even in times when I fall, and fail, that she will see that God extends grace to us even then. I pray my life will continue to be lived in a way that others would know that I have been with Jesus. I would loved to be convicted for that! How about you, reading friend? How will they know unless you tell them?
As spring rolls into summer, then fall, and back to the dead of winter, as Christ followers, let's be faithful to share Jesus and the new life found in Him…He died to give us that life. He lives to make a way for us. Grace, God's grace! There's nothing quite as precious and sacred as new life, even though we don't deserve it. He loved. He gave. We believe. We live!! What a Savior!