Let me tell about a dream I had last night.

I saw a barren tree stripped of all its leaves, ready for winter — no green, red, or gold left behind, just stark and naked in the frosty air — so dead looking — just like we feel in lonely times. Then I saw an old man with balding head and wrinkled limbs outstretched, looking like they could not support him through another storm of life, just like the bare branches which sometimes give way under a harsh wind. And then came a frail woman devoid of her much-used makeup when she was young. Both of them had baggy eyes and were in the winter of their lives. They had their suitcases packed, likely ready to go at the Maker's call.

Another springtime season awaits the icy tree, with more sunrises, robins, bees, and butterflies to enjoy. Likewise, for those who have repented of their sins and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, when our final season comes and it is time to shed our earthly dressing — thanks be to God — we are called one day to our heavenly home with Jesus. Can you imagine the rejoicing there will be? We must be ready.

1 Corinthians 15:42-44a – So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. (NKJV)

First we must die, to know the eternal spring that God has promised us. Renewal comes from the touch of the Master's hand, and in His perfect timing, all shall burst forth in keeping with His plan for all creation.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 – Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (NKJV)

Yes, in a little while, death will surely come to all of us and all things. Then will come the victory over death which God has promised for those who have faith in the Lord and have accepted His blessed Son as their Saviour. The old man and woman who withered and died will have bright new bodies filled with the Holy Spirit.

Revelation 21:4 – And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. (NKJV)

We need to believe this in our hearts and to keep the faith, and we will have the victory that Jesus won on the cross. We are forgiven — forgiven eternally. God is in His heaven. He is waiting there for us. We know we are free to live with Him in eternity.

The promise of His plans will be fulfilled, and resurrection (His eternal spring) will happen when King Jesus returns. Believe it — it will be as He has promised.

The stark reality of death has been defeated!

Prayer: Dear Father, we thank You for what You did for us on the cross by sacrificing Your beloved Son — the stark reality of Your Son's death that has ensured for us everlasting life with You in eternity. To God be the glory! In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

June Heale <jinnybug@shaw.ca>
Parksville, British Columbia, Canada
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