FROM THE PASTOR
March 19, 2017
Tomorrow is the first day of SPRING!! Yes, I know, it’s still going to only be a high of 510 and will still be a low of 320. But listen… IT IS STILL SPRING!! We call it the Spring equinox.
The equinox happens twice a year and is the exact moment that the earth’s equator passes through the center of the sun. That means there are approximately equal minutes of light and darkness. As the Spring equinox occurs from that point on to the Winter equinox, each day gets 3 minutes more of light. My experience tells me that with each minute of light there grows a refreshing of purpose and expectation. There’s just something about looking ahead to what Spring brings that provides the energy to keep on through another day of winter’s darkness.
I have to admit that Fall has always been my favorite season of the year, even as brief as it is (even with what follows). But with the prospect of Spring, springs the eternal hope of renewal. Thinking of Spring, eternal hope and renewal reminds me of what lays ahead of us as each day advances closer to Christ’s return.
Hosea 6:3 (NASB)
3 "So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; And He will come to us like the rain, Like the spring rain watering the earth."
Right now, the darkness seems to be dominating but remember what John taught us…
John 1:4-5 (NASB)
4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.
5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
“Life” in John’s recording is making reference to “salvation”. And the “Light” is in reference to our Lord. Even on the darkest of darkest nights the “Light of men” still shines bright. In fact, He shines the brightest against the darkness. And the Greek word we translate “comprehend” in English means “to take down or overcome”. The darkness could not overcome the Light of men.
As Christians we must never forget that Spring is eternal, that the Light of Men in Christ never gets dimmer, and the Darkness is powerless against the true Light. Hosea’s response we see recorded in Hosea 6:3 is a summation of an exhortation to return to the Lord… in fact it’s really a promise. Here are verses 1 and 2…
Hosea 6:1-2 (NASB)
1 "Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bandage us.
2 "He will revive us after two days; He will raise us up on the third day, That we may live before Him.
The Light of men still shines bright today, and Spring continues to be a reminder of the renewal and care the Light of men brings.
Thank You for your faithfulness! Pastor Larry
