Spring, and especially Easter, is my favorite time of year. It reminds me of the resurrection and the fact that all things are being restored for God’s glory. It makes me think of this verse:
“Even in laughter the heart is sad, and the end of joy is grief.” —Proverbs 14:13
Huh? How encouraging. How does this remind me of Easter? It is a vivid reminder that all good things in this life end. We are all faced with the irreversible and inevitable fact that death is around the corner. Tim Keller comments on this verse saying:
Here’s the happy family, sitting around the dining room table. And the simple reality is that…one of those people is eventually going to see every other member dead. Death ends everything. Everything your heart wants out of life eventually will be taken away from you.
Deep down we all know this is true and this is a big reason we have a hard time truly living in the moment, even when everything seems to be going well. Sin is the cause of death, but because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, sin (and death itself) has been defeated. God is actively seeking to reconcile all people and the creation to Himself. In his book, Miracles, C.S. Lewis notes:
The New Testament writers speak as if Christ’s achievement in rising from the dead was the first event of its kind in the whole history of the universe. He is the “first fruits,” the “pioneer of life.” He has forced open a door that has been locked since the death of the first man. He has met, fought, and beaten the King of Death. Everything is different because He has done so. This is the beginning of the New Creation: a new chapter in cosmic history has opened.
All are invited into the New Creation, but it has to be chosen. God won’t force anyone’s hand. When we accept Him, we too become a new creation—transformed more and more into the image of Jesus Himself.
What does the proverb at the beginning have to do with the New Creation? Well it’s still true of this life, but there is now a different perspective. Death is no longer eternal for the believer, but is simply a portal to the next world, a New Creation that will prove to be a deeper, truer reality. Bad things still happen in this life, but not without access to the transformation, peace, and joy Christ gives—the very thing that will strengthen and fill you up for when the bad things happen.
What’s holding you back from trusting Christ?
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“Even in laughter the heart is sad, and the end of joy is grief.” —Proverbs 14:13
Huh? How encouraging. How does this remind me of Easter? It is a vivid reminder that all good things in this life end. We are all faced with the irreversible and inevitable fact that death is around the corner. Tim Keller comments on this verse saying:
Here’s the happy family, sitting around the dining room table. And the simple reality is that…one of those people is eventually going to see every other member dead. Death ends everything. Everything your heart wants out of life eventually will be taken away from you.
Deep down we all know this is true and this is a big reason we have a hard time truly living in the moment, even when everything seems to be going well. Sin is the cause of death, but because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, sin (and death itself) has been defeated. God is actively seeking to reconcile all people and the creation to Himself. In his book, Miracles, C.S. Lewis notes:
The New Testament writers speak as if Christ’s achievement in rising from the dead was the first event of its kind in the whole history of the universe. He is the “first fruits,” the “pioneer of life.” He has forced open a door that has been locked since the death of the first man. He has met, fought, and beaten the King of Death. Everything is different because He has done so. This is the beginning of the New Creation: a new chapter in cosmic history has opened.
All are invited into the New Creation, but it has to be chosen. God won’t force anyone’s hand. When we accept Him, we too become a new creation—transformed more and more into the image of Jesus Himself.
What does the proverb at the beginning have to do with the New Creation? Well it’s still true of this life, but there is now a different perspective. Death is no longer eternal for the believer, but is simply a portal to the next world, a New Creation that will prove to be a deeper, truer reality. Bad things still happen in this life, but not without access to the transformation, peace, and joy Christ gives—the very thing that will strengthen and fill you up for when the bad things happen.
What’s holding you back from trusting Christ?
Subscribe to My Newsletter
 | Tres Adames, MDiv, BCPC provides Christian counseling in Peoria, Arizona for adults, teens, couples, and families. He specializes in helping those struggling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, anger, addiction, codependency, and relationship issues. If you would like to contact Tres or set up an appointment, visit his contact page. |
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