April Showers Bring....

Most of us know the old saying, “April showers bring May flowers.”  It’s an expression that’s used to help us get through the many rainy days we face during the early weeks of the month of April. We say it to help ourselves maintain hope that the weather will turn a bit nicer and the temperatures will become a bit warmer. By saying, “April showers bring May flowers,” we are telling ourselves that in the end, this season of rain will be well worth, reminding ourselves that, what is will not always be. 

This time of the year within the Christian calendar—i.e., the Easter Season—is really all about hope. As we recall the death and resurrection of Jesus, we are remembering both the darkest of days and the brightest of days. It’s a time to reflect upon the fact that, the greatest tragedy our world has ever known turned into the greatest victory that has ever and will ever touch the face of this earth. Within just a few days, Jesus went from dying on a cross to stepping forth from what would become the empty tomb. 

Easter is a reminder that, what is will not always be. It’s a season that tells us of the great hope that we have been given as followers of Jesus. It speaks to us of the assurance of our salvation and of our own resurrection from the dead. And it speaks to us of the fact that, one day this world of sin, death, and destruction in which we live will be transformed into his glorious kingdom—a kingdom filled with new life! 

The Apostle Paul put it this way, “…we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus….” (2 Corinthians 4:14 – NIV) Peter wrote, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead….”  (1 Peter 1:3 – NIV) 

The resurrection of Jesus causes us as Christians to look past the dark, rainy days of the world in which we live. His resurrection causes us to look beyond the sickness and sorrow of our days here on this earth. Because we believe Jesus was raised from the dead and is now alive, seated at the right hand of the Father, we look ahead to the day when he will return, calling from the grave all those who have died in him, and installing a world filled with justice, righteousness, and peace. The resurrection of Jesus gives to us great hope. 

As we experience maybe a few more weeks of April showers, let’s be reminded that just as they will eventually pass and give way to brighter, warmer days—even to flowers!—so too the darkness of the world in which we live will give way to a world that is much brighter and warmer than we could ever imagine. Let’s be reminded that what is, will not always be. Jesus has been raised from the dead! 

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris