It snowed yesterday, the first snow of the season. So many people became excited, offering comment across their digital social networks regarding the refreshing impact of snow. It seems that the first snow releases something of a permission in us to move beyond what our last year has brought and a promise that we will get through the winter as well.
This morning I find an equally refreshing moment in II Corinthians 1:18-22:
“But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and Timothy—was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” (NIV)
God’s promises were made “yes” in Christ Jesus; yes, to the resurrection of the dead; yes, to His compassion and healing power; yes, to His provision when we are in need; and yes, to our hope for the future.
Just as sure as the seasons change each year (at least in beautiful North Carolina where I live), at the end of this balmy, hot season of summer, the leaves begin to unmask their hidden beauty, then so comes the snow. Ever so gently at first, geometrically unique crystals break through the atmosphere like magic, held in tact by the very chill that will cause the land to soon become dormant, dusting the trees and then ever so gracefully covering the ground.
The seeds that have fallen are tucked away in the cold earth and their decay begins. Then, just as faithful as the snow comes the warmth, and we find that it was not decay that occurred but germination, and new life as the seed leaf presses up from the dormant soil. A new season begins!
So is life in Christ, and so will the promises of God endure the seasons of our life.
He promised and through Christ has made all those promises “yes.” Our only necessary reply: “So be it.”
Amen