Resurrection Springtime

Drip down, O heavens, from above,
and let the skies pour down righteousness.
Let the earth open up that salvation may sprout
and righteousness spring up with it;
I, the LORD, have created it. 
– Isaiah 45:8

When I read this scripture, I cannot help but think of the heavens splitting wide, opening the way for Jesus to come in human form. A newborn babe budded from an eternal throne as the sky filled with heavenly host declaring His entrance. 

Righteousness poured down and sprang up as Jesus grew and lived among us.

Thirty-three years later, that same human form endured a gruesome death by crucifixion. Jesus’ body was broken and torn, His back shredded by a Roman scourge. His hands and feet were bloodied and bruised from nails piercing flesh and bone. His crown of glory was exchanged for a wreath of thorns. 

The One who breathed life into the very form of man breathed no more as the earth opened up and swallowed the Messiah.

The planet shook and trembled at Jesus’ passing.

The heavens that once filled with praise at His coming thundered with grief at His death.

Until . . .

An uninvited Guest showed up to rattle the gates of hell itself.

When all appeared hopeless, resurrection power sprouted into salvation for whosoever would believe. 

The same earth that received the Lord’s body once again opened. But this time, it was shattered by the light of God’s power infiltrating its darkness. 

This time, the tomb was defeated by everlasting life.

Salvation erupted from the grave, and righteousness sprang forth with the vigor of a newborn released from the womb. Death was conquered by the rush of mercy flowing like spring waters over dry and barren land. 

The winter of souls released into the spring of new life. 

O death, where is your victory? O grave, where is your sting? 

Death is dead and gone with the winter, flooded beneath these living waters. And we are left to sing a new song of salvation and righteousness. 

Resurrection springtime is here to stay. 

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This post is written in conjunction with https://fiveminutefriday.com/2022/03/24/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-spring/ Teaming up with an online group of writers who encourage others to share the words God has given them. The gist is to write for five minutes on a one-word prompt, then post your writing and link up with others who do the same — no overthinking, no deep editing, just free-writing in a short amount of time.