I know it’s so obvious to say but spring really is magnificent in the way that the gray days start bursting forth with sunlight and life. When my husband and I are hiking in the woods, I cannot help but notice the new life all around us. The colors start getting bolder. The trail, itself, seems softer and more pliable. I guess the rain showers soften up those dry, crunchy leaves from winter. The trees are putting out new colors and there’s more sounds of animals scurrying around. Life really is bursting forth all around us when we take the time to still our minds and notice it. Isn’t it just like The Lord to allow spring to be the time to celebrate The very Life that was poured out as an offering for those of us who were dried up and dead? Yes – death became life on a cross many years ago for people who want to know their Maker and experience the abundant life He offers. 

In the first book of the Bible, Genesis, we get the understanding that life only comes from life. The word “Genesis” means origin of all things. So yes, it all started right there in the garden. God breathed life into the very world He created. As we know, it didn’t take long for the creation to rebel and bring in the antithesis to life. Death was here. I’m sure it was felt deeper than my human mind can go. I’m sure it looked different. I’ve never experienced life without death. None of us have. But God, in His goodness, made a way to get spiritual life back. This way actually involved bloodshed. This is how it had to be. Life for life. “The life of every creature is in its blood.” (‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭17‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬) This was the most serious situation. An exchange had to be made so God’s people could resume fellowship with Him. Sin has only the highest consequences. “And the Lord God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife.” (‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬) Now they were covered from the shame that they physically felt that they hadn’t before the fall. Harsh reality had set in. In a world of all “good”, there was now “bad”. I really can’t imagine the world’s first heartbreak. 

Let’s get to the good news. For many years, God let man attempt to live up to His standards. All the while, God had a permanent plan. He needed people to see what exactly they were being “saved” from. They tried following His laws but failed miserably. I’m not pointing a finger. I can’t even seem to follow traffic laws! God had to show us that humans were flawed and it pushed us into His arms for permanent help. We surrender! Jesus to the rescue. 

God came to this earth in the form of a human and defeated death once and for all with His Holiness. He did it on humanity’s behalf. No more animal sacrifices and trying to keep laws we obviously couldn’t keep. Jesus nailed every sinful thing humanity has ever taken part in to a cross where it cost Him His own blood. “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.” (‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬) Jesus wanted us to be with Him for eternity in a perfect place where evil does not exist. He was that kernel of wheat that had to be planted and die so the harvest it produced would be of His. That harvest is us! He took our punishment and gave us right standing with The Father. “He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” (‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Wow! What a God! All of this is because of His great love for us. He never wants us to be away from Him. So if you’re ever feeling alone, remember, you’re not. He made a way for you to always be with Him. He’s always there to talk things out with and tackle life’s tough situations. And He has the power to actually do something about your situation. This is the relationship He wants with you. He wants to do life with you. 

Today, take time to reflect on exactly what Jesus accomplished on your behalf. Open your heart to Him. He’ll open up a whole new world for you. “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬) He offers the opportunity for a fresh start! This is what The Resurrection is all about. He takes the dead things and brings true life to them. He takes dried up relationships and breathes new air. He takes sickness and disease and strips them of their power. He causes the ordinary to become extraordinary. 

This spring really is a wonderful time to celebrate new beginnings. You can have a new perspective on your life if you see it through the cross of Christ. He gave everything for us. He did it willingly because we were that important. Because of Jesus, we get to go from death to life. Happy Easter!

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.