Think Spring!

(click the pic to get the code)
Let's THINK SPRING and spread the joy of life abundant. Here's how you can participate:

1. Write a Spring-related post (mine is below).
2. Find & link to three other Spring-related posts.
3. (Tell them you've linked so they can join the fun.)
   
4. Add the Think Spring button/code to your blog.
5. (Also, let James know you're thinking Spring!)
   
6. Then comment at RoseWoman, the meme host.
   
7. (For more info and to join the blogroll go here.)
   

Okay, time for some Spring Thoughts...

First, some selected quotes from the Apostle Paul as recorded in 1 Corinthians 15 (NIV):

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 his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he "has put everything under his feet."

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed - in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."

"Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?"

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is often said that the changing of the seasons is like the cycle of life. There is birth, there is youth, there is maturing, there is death. And then re-birth! We are taught that Spring is the continual reminder that all things are re-born.

Nice sentiment as far as it goes. But one day this cycle will end. For the winter of life is actually a disruption of God's good order. Death was never meant to be, as some put it, a "natural part of life." Winter's Death is the enemy, and it will be swallowed up in toto when Christ's eternal Spring arrives at his coming.

C.S. Lewis describes a land where it is "always winter but never Christmas" in the Chronicles of Narnia. It is an unnatural occurrence. But one that all the creatures held captive by the White Witch have come to accept. Until the whispers of Aslan's return begin to circulate. (If you're unfamiliar with this literary work, go here.)

How like those spell-bound creatures we are. We've come to accept as final this seasonal cycle - as wonderfully refreshing as it may be this side of heaven.

But it is not the last word. One day death and pain and weeping and suffering and war and violence will end. The last vestiges of sin will be destroyed never to be "re-born" for another season. Eternal Spring will dawn. Christ will reign. Alleluia, He is Risen!

Other Suggested Readings for Spring:

• Wayne at Q&A titles a piece "All Alone" - I want to call is "Almost Spring"
• Barbara at Tidbits & Treasures has posted "No Room For A Savior"
• Paint at Play is "Back to Work" with another piece that's almost Spring.
  

Are you thinking Spring? Spread the word.