A Newness of Life – April 04, 1999
Every spring we celebrate a newness of life. We rejoice over blossoms that have kept their promise; we cheer for saplings that have survived winter’s frost; and we marvel at the animal kingdom newly replenished.
But at times, even in the midst of beautiful spring weather, we might be tentative. We keep the snow shovel within reach and the winter coats close by. Another storm lurking.
In the same way, we sometimes hesitate over the promise of Easter. We remember Christ’s victory over the grave and believe in new life after death. But we may not open our hearts to a newness of life each day.
Like the man whose son was healed by the Savior, we pray, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”1 Even though we know spring will come, during the hardships of life’s winter, we may have moments of fear and doubt.
At such times we can find comfort both in the assurance of everlasting life and in the promise of a fullness of life today. Paul taught the Romans, “Like as Christ was raised up from the dead…, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”2 The Lord’s promise of a new life is not only for when we die but also as we live.
One woman recalls how a terminal illness seemed to bring new life to her dying husband. Because he knew that his days were numbered, he lived them with fervor and purpose. He spent more time with loved ones, took more delight in simple pleasures and stopped worrying so much. Looking at himself and the world with a new perspective, he deepened his commitment to living abundantly. It was as if his impending death gave him, for a time, new life.
The newness of life that spring represents can be ours any time of the year. It is, in a sense, “the substance of things hoped for.”3 We become new creatures whenever pain is eased by peace, whenever our sorrow give way to joy. Always again there is spring. Eternally there are hope and faith, peace and joy. The splendor of such promises gives us newness of life today?and an assurance of everlasting life hereafter.
Program #3633
1 Mark 9:24.
2 Romans 6:4
3 Hebrews 11:1.