One afternoon I was outside making my way along a wooded walking path, and I came upon an old tree. This relic’s trunk was at least 3.5 feet in diameter. And from the ground level it stood proud; however, was sadly broken off half way up. I admired this long time strong and sturdy tree now turned dead stand for a good bit. All around it little tree growths had sprouted, and the forest was closing in on it with a sure prerogative. And then a thought hit me…
The end of all living things–though strong and sturdy for a season–is death.
This tree had its day, it had its season, and now its life was over. I thought to myself, “…that’s life…in one sense it’s tragic, but in another it’s beautiful.” It’s tragic, because it reveals the effects of sin and the fall. While at the same time it’s beautiful, because it tells a story of hope.
The tragedy is real, but it is not the final word because of a benevolent Creator.
God became flesh.
This reality changes everything. Without it there would be no hope for creation…there would be no hope for mankind…there would be no hope for hope.
But God became flesh and He dwelt among us.
This one act in history means that history has a purpose. Yes, history’s purpose is the unfolding of a plot focused on a King.
A King who would first become a Substitute sacrifice in order to conquer the end of all living things–death.
God became flesh.
And one day He is coming back to eternally secure a forever fellowship with His creation…and so, there is hope. There is hope for a coming King to come and make all things new.
That old proud tree reminds me that–even though it stands in a sad lifeless posture–God’s final word is life to all those who look to His Son in faith.
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.”
Revelation 21:1-7
And so, we can be calm…we can remember that one silent night–a long time ago–a King was born in a lowly manger, and He’s coming again as the conquering Savior!
Silent night…holy night…all is calm…all is bright…!
Glory, a King is coming!
— December 22, 2017