The Earth Is The Lord’s
The Scriptures say, “The earth and everything in it belong to the Lord.” — I Corinthians 10:26 (CEV)
I love Spring. As I do Fall, Winter and Summer. But, Spring is the season of renewal, the time of the year when all that is hidden (flowers, leaves, and animals) are revealed once again, while that which is dead (or dormant) is brought back to life.
It is also the season when we mark Our Lord’s resurrection, the Lamb of God, who was slain from the foundation of the earth for our sins.
Next week is what some Christians call “Holy Week” which is the time spanning from Palm Sunday when Jesus was received by the masses as a triumphant king, and on through the last supper, betrayal and crucifixion, and finally His resurrection on Easter morn. It is a wonderful time for believers to reflect on what God has done for them, offering remembrance of His perfect sacrifice for our sins.
I’m not a huge traditionalist, but I plan to mark the week by attending a midday Good Friday service as well as a Resurrection Sunday service. No, I’m not hung up on the word Easter — I know that it was originally a pagan event — and if someone wants to color eggs, bite off chocolate bunny ears or eat those sugary little peeps, then go ahead and do so to the glory of God.
Which brings me to my main point: it is easy to dwell upon what is wrong or not to our liking in this life and to be upset over this or that injustice. I fully understand this type of thinking as these days are especially challenging to mostly everyone, particularly those who are trying to live Godly lives.
But, having the right perspective isn’t looking at what is going on in Washington, DC or at your job or even at your church. Rather, how is your relationship with Jesus Christ? Are you seeking His will for your life? Are you reading His word, the Bible?
There are times I find myself overwhelmed by all of the “noise” of this world and find that the best thing to do is to steal away for a bit and spend some time with the Lord. One of my favorite ways for doing just that is to put everything to the side, head outside and take a walk. I prefer sunny days, but even on the dreariest of days I can find some benefit in leaving my cares behind.
And God is faithful to meet me where I’m at too: all I need to see is a splash of spring color, the vibrant wing of a subtropical bird or the lovely azure sky to remind me that He is in control of my life, our world and all that is within it.
Don’t let an opportunity to enjoy what God has created pass you by. These times of refreshing can change your perspective, reminding you that Jesus is alive.
Related Reading — He Is Alive!
Photo Credit: Zsuzsanna Kilián
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Lillie Ammann | March 30th, 2009 at 11:32 pm #
Matt,
Interestingly, I just edited our church newsletter today, and one of the articles was “Come outside and take a walk” with a message very similar to yours.
I go to a liturgical church that observes Holy Week. We have a Tenebrae service on Wednesday, Holy Communion and footwashing on Maundy Thursday, and Way of the Cross on Good Friday. Between the Maundy Thursday service and the sunrise Resurrection Sunday service, we keep the Vigil at the Altar of Repose. Parishioners take turns spending an hour at the altar in a small chapel, representing the hour Jesus asked the disciples to watch and wait in the Garden of Gethsemane. I always sign up for the hour following the mid-day Good Friday service, and it always proves to be a pwoerful spiritual experience.
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MattK | March 31st, 2009 at 4:31 am #
Lillie, I think that is a wonderful way to mark the week. I left out our Wednesday evening service, but I think we have a similar set up as yours.
The key is reflection and helping people draw closer to the Lord and recall His suffering on our behalf. Intercessory prayer is important — I like how your church does that by allowing each person to take time to sit before the altar.
Dr.Bruce | March 31st, 2009 at 8:59 am #
Our church is not in the high liturgical tradition either. However, a few years ago, we started serving the Lord’s Supper on Good Friday. From 11:00 – 1:00 people can come and go. They gather as families while the Deacons serve. They read Scripture, take the elements and pray. It is very personal and especially meaningful.
It has been a wonderful addition to our celebration of the Cross and the Resurrection.
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MattKeegan | March 31st, 2009 at 9:03 am #
Bruce, I think that is a wonderful way to reflect on the suffering and death of Jesus! Very intimate and a way for people to search their hearts individually, together as a family and with the Body of Christ.
It has been many years since I attended a Sunrise Service, another enjoyable way to reflect on God’s promise of life everlasting.
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