Change!

October 27, 2022

Change!

I have not had to rake leaves in the fall for over 20 years.  It’s not that we have not had trees or rakes in the past.  We have not had to rake leaves because we have not had so many leaves that the lawn mower could not pick them up.

Things have changed!  We have a very small lawn with a very large purple autumn ash tree.  During the last few weeks, we have been marveling at the beautiful colors.  And then, everything changed.  Our ash tree decided it was time to dump all of its leaves at once.

There is not near as much wind here as compared to where we have leaved in the past.  So, there was no hope of the wind blowing our leaves into the neighbors’ lawns.  I had to rake leaves.  Things changed!

Life is about coping with and thriving in the midst of all kinds of changes.  I like the preacher’s way of saying it in Ecclesiastes 3.  He begins the chapter by saying; “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…”

Although the preacher starts out rather philosophical, he quickly becomes very practical.  Here are a few examples.  He says there is…

“a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted”

“a time to break down, and a time to build up”

“a time to weep, and a time to laugh”

“a time to keep, and a time to throw away”

The list goes on and on.  It is a simple reminder there are seasons in our lives that are filled with more joy and celebration and love than we can even believe is possible.  We feel the touch of the Savior on our lives. 

At the same time, we are reminded there are seasons in our lives that are filled with incredibly deep sadness and fear and shame.  Sometimes we can begin to feel as if there is no God, no purpose, and no hope.

As we shift from late fall into early winter, the falling leaves, the cooler temperatures, and the vibrant colors remind us there is change all around us all the time.  A loved one needs more and more of our assistance.  A new job opens up for us.  Our youngest child leaves home to go to college.  A miracle for which we have praying for a long time is answered.

Whether we feel the change is good or bad or ugly, we pause to consider how we will navigate yet another change.  When the change is a different way of harvesting the leaves in your lawn or a more significant and difficult change, Jesus makes a promise for you.

In Matthew 28:20, Jesus makes a promise to His disciples and to you and me.  The context for the promise is helpful.  Jesus was born in Bethlehem, lived in the region of Galilee, and died in Jerusalem.  Jesus was born as the King of Kings, lived as a servant of our Heavenly Father, and invited everyone He met to love God and love one another. 

Then, Jesus dies so we may live in relationship with the Lord God.  After all that, the last thing Jesus says to His followers before ascending to heaven is found in Matthew 28.  Jesus says; “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

Jesus said the same thing to Moses and Joshua and King David.  Others held onto Jesus’ promise with all their heart, mind, and soul.  There was Mary the mother of Jesus, there was Stephen before he was stoned to death, and there was Paul when he sat in a jail in Rome.

No matter what season…a season of praise or a season of pain…we are in today, Jesus is always with us.  Jesus reminds us we can find strength and hope and forgiveness in Him.  Jesus reminds us that we can find joy and peace and love in Him.  Jesus reminds us that we can find salvation and guidance and a life of holiness in Him.

Change is one of the things that is constant in life.  But, change is not always easy.  The good news is that we can navigate change when we remember the promise of Jesus; “I am with you always.”      

I imagine you have a family member or a friend or a co-worker who needs to hear Jesus’ promise today.  I invite you to sit down with them and share the promise of Jesus.  As they and you move through this season of change, both of you fill discover delight returning to your hearts.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug

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