There is Life in the Dying
Rounding the corner into our development, I notice the abundance of green leaves shimmering in the afternoon sunlight. At first, I’m mesmerized by the beauty of the tree-lined street. Then it hits me as I catch a glimpse of a few barren branches hiding behind the bounty of spring’s green adorned trees.
Wasn’t it just last week or two weeks ago that this same street looked bleak? Trees stripped of their glory resembled petrified sticks protruding from the ground. They proclaimed that death was reigning where life once had bloomed.
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| Our once frozen barren lemon tree is alive with healthy leaves |
Now, as if the harsh winter freeze had never choked life from our desert, these trees quivered in the gentle breeze. The message was clear. Life had risen from the scars of death. It had broken free from the stranglehold of what once sapped the life from creation.
The Easter triumph. Life has conquered death–even in creation. Isn’t this why we celebrate Easter in the springtime. God’s creation surrounding us sings loudly of the victory. His victory over the grip of death in each of our lives. The grip imposed by sin, untangled by Jesus.
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| The dove has left her nest–scared away perhaps. Just a feather remains. Life will be hatched elsewhere. |
It seems that all around me, death has screamed its gruesome chant. I feel it try to grip me with fear. The passing of a friend. The sickness of another. A relative teeters on the edge of this life.
Yet the Lord says to me, “Remember I have overcome.”
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die…” John 11:25-26 NIV
“…he will swallow up death forever.” Isaiah 25:8a NIV
“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22 NIV
“‘Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?’
“The sting of death is sin and the power of sin is in the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 NIV
His victory springs forth hope in my heart. And all creation recognizes His life.
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Joyfull says:
Absolutely beautiful WFW! Made my heart rejoice! Thanks for sharing.
Angel says:
Oh Janis, your photos and your thoughts are beautiful. They make the scriptures come to life. Blessings!
Heidi says:
Indeed, His victory springs forth hope in my heart too! Lovely WFW 🙂
Stefanie Brown says:
So thankful for the victory!
Peggy says:
Thank You Lord for the Glorious Beauty that Janis has so eloquently shared through her fabulously gorgeous flowers to Your powerfully wonderful Word! Delicately balanced life and death, but the Victory makes me want to Rejoice with Janis! Even though Janis has endured through some painful “stings” as I, she quickly remembers Your Truth! Continue to pour forth more Hope, Joy and Love on Janis as she recognizes Life in Your creation surrounding her. You are the Resurrection and the Life! We give You thanks and praise for each Truth Janis has brought forth in Word and image!
Peggy
The Power of Your Love for my WFW today
Alida says:
Beautiful photos… and so grateful for the victory!!
Happy WFW!
Brian Miller says:
lovely pics…that first one is swesome…love this time of year as it brings hope and renewal…
Sheila Moore says:
“untangled by Jesus” – my favorite line. Your photos are breath taking, especially the last one.
Amydeanne says:
beautiful Janis! I am always shocked here where I live that anything grows because our winters are so long and harsh… yet God astounds me yearly with the beauty!
Craig says:
Amen Janis, Winter never ever swallows up Spring – except for Ice Ages (◠‿◠). But even then it’s spring somewhere. And I heart these words, “The grip imposed by sin, untangled by Jesus.” that is poetry!!
God bless you and keep you – and all of yours.
emily wierenga says:
oh janis, this is exquisite… the photos and words combined. it stuns me every time, how earth proclaims hallelujah in the simplicity of a tree budding. love to you sister.
Joybird says:
These verses especially spoke to me, to what I was crabbing about mere seconds before. Thank you for the reminder that Jesus has overcome and not just forgiven sin. And that first picture of the ruffly rose is swoony!
Sharon Kirby says:
Beautiful pictures, and such an inspiring message. Indeed, He has overcome – even the worst that the enemy can throw at us – death. HE conquered even that – especially that!!
GOD BLESS, Janis!