Garden in Spring

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 v 11 “The Sovereign Lord will show His justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise Him.! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere. “

The Lord has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. Bring comfort to the broken hearted, prisoners will be set free. There will be a joyous blessing instead of mourning, like great oaks, planted for His own glory. They will revive those cities destroyed for many generations. For I the Lord, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering. Everyone will realize that they are a people the Lord has blessed. I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God. The Sovereign Lord will show His justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise Him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere. “

Driving around this week I have noticed it is winter. The trees are bear of leaves, the fields have been harvested, and even the horses are outside with coats on. However, in the towns the houses are sparkling with Christmas lights, a joyous sight. That is the contrast we live with, the rich and the poor, the healthy and the sick, those happy with children being born, and those mourning the loss of a family member. So, the image of a garden in springtime, with new green shoots springing up everywhere gives us joy. Tall oaks standing for justice gives us hope that the good news of Jesus will remain for future generations to be blessed. We all have to learn by Jesus’ example to live with a loving relationship towards our neighbors, to each other. Like a garden in spring with love popping up everywhere!

Prayer: Holy Lord God who showed His love for the world by sending us His Son Jesus Christ, thank you. Show us this week the joys of your blessing everywhere. Amen.