“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
You have got to be kidding me! I tried to keep all of my emotions inside last week as I looked out my classroom window and saw big, large snowflakes falling on that April day. My students were facing away from the windows and I needed their focus to stay on expansion during the 1800s. I knew I’d lose them if I announced the snow at that moment.
The Winter 2.0 we’ve had has been a little bit of a letdown. Granted, the light snow we’ve had has actually been beautiful. And I’m trying to remain thankful we aren’t having the insane, bitter windchill that often comes with snow in Wisconsin. But there’s this part of me that just wants spring:
the new,
the green grass,
the flowers peeking through,
the time outside without coats (the not having to lug all the snow clothes to preschool for our three-year-old).
The new creation longing isn’t just in regard to the weather. We were created to long deep in our soul for a relationship with our Creator. And as Believers, we have the remarkable privilege to be in a relationship because of what Christ has done. Scripture is clear that when we are in Christ, we are a new creation.
The winter of hopelessness is replaced with the spring of confidence in God’s unfailing promises.
The dreariness of pessimism is replaced with the sprouting of the Holy Spirit’s power and guidance alive in us.
The coldness of sorrow is replaced with the living truth of Jesus’ victory over death.
As I write, the snow didn’t end up sticking, although I’m still not sure which coat to wear when I’m outside and it doesn’t quite feel like spring. And yet, regardless of the weather, may we live as those who are new creations because of the redeeming work of our risen Savior.
As we move into this Easter season, what “winter” thoughts needs to be replaced with the thoughts of His Truth? What priorities need to shift slightly so you can make Jesus’ victory over death and our reconciliation with Him a focus this Easter?
