The Firstfruits of Spring!

Earlier this week I was doing a bit of spring cleanup around our yard when I happened to notice that one of our dogwood trees had suddenly bloomed.  Its branches were filled with pink flowers.  It was a stunning sight. And, it was a refreshing sight—a sign that spring was truly on its way and that the rest of the trees and flowers around our yard would soon be in full bloom.  That first tree to bloom was a sign of that which is about to come. 

We all know, it’s one thing to see that spring has arrived based on a date on the calendar. It’s quite another to experience it by means of the budding of the trees and blooming of the flowers, the longer days and the warmth of the sun. For me, the blooming of our dogwood was what we might call, using biblical language, the firstfruits of spring! It is a forerunner of what is yet to come. 

A taste of what is yet to come!

In another week or so we are going to come to Resurrection Sunday, the day in which we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.  I’m sure for his first disciples and those who initially encounter the risen Christ it was a stunning (and surprising) sight to see him alive.  After having grieved over his death for three days, how wonderful it was to know that he was alive.  But, Jesus’ resurrection from the dead was not just about his own coming back to life. The Bible tells us that Jesus’ resurrection was a sign of that which was yet to come. 

The Apostle Paul wrote, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-23 – NIV)

In other words, Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is the sign that those of us who have put our faith in him and followed him, will as well one day experience our own resurrection to eternal life.  As we celebrate the fact that Jesus has been raised from the dead, we remember that we too shall be raised to forever live with him in his kingdom! Because he lives, we too shall live!

What a wonderful hope we have!  What a wonderful reason to celebrate our Lord’s resurrection!

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris