While Earth Remains

At this time of the year, people are acutely aware of the rhythm God built into the part of His creation we call earth. Especially people living in agricultural areas. Whether or not they respond to God, farmers plants their crops based on God’s promise to Noah: While earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease. (Gen. 8:22 RSV)

God gave Noah and his family a rainbow as a sign—as promise to His creation on earth. And although everything from their former life was gone when they left the ark, the face of the ground was dry. (Gen. 8:13b)

It was a time of devastation and a time beginnings, but God gave them the promise of a future. While earth remains, they could enjoy and participate in God’s rhythm.

Originally published April 2, 1982.
Picture: Bleeding hearts, Patty's garden, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Shower, O Heavens

May! In our part of the world, everything comes to life before our eyes at this time of the year! It’s good to remember that Springtime in God’s physical creation is a picture of the Springtime He brings to people’s hearts.

Isaiah gave us a beautiful picture: Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the skies rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation may sprout forth, and let it cause righteousness to spring up also . . . . (Is. 45:8a RSV)

Yes, Jesus created our earth and fashioned it for seasons and the renewal of seasons. He created spring in the physical realm so new life comes out of the seemingly dead world of winter.

Jesus also created spring in the spiritual realm. He brings new life out of spiritual slumber and death. Seeds of spiritual awareness—seeds buried deep within the heart—are waiting to come forth in the knowledge of His grace. He sends His righteousness to open hearts where they produce more righteousness. He sends a shower of His love.

Originally published May 7, 1982.