I like to see what returns to our area in the changing seasons, especially in spring.
Vehicles like motorcycles, old classic cars, convertibles, “hot rods,” luxury and sleek, sporty cars all make an appearance on the roads again.
Leaves come out on trees by the thousands. Rhubarb sprouts early, dandelions spring forth, and lawns slowly turn green again.
Birds that have been here year round are joined by migrating birds of all kinds from the small junco to huge swans. Loud cries of sandhill cranes are heard as they fly overhead.
Warmer days and longer daylight hours are welcome. Mosquitoes not so much.
Hooray for fish returning! Some king salmon have been in coastal waters all winter. More species of salmon will be making their return for spawning. Soon the crowds will line the banks of the rivers fishing for salmon for the smoker or freezer. Halibut in larger numbers and sizes are showing up in shallower waters.
Biblical prophecies written centuries before became more relevant when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. The gospel writers cite many scriptures that came to pass in his ministry. “It is written” is an affirmative phrase that appears many times as the story of redemption through Jesus Christ is told.
The miracles continued wherever he journeyed through Israel. When he returned to Nazareth, the town he grew up in, many did not believe in his ministry so they saw fewer miracles because of their unbelief.
Many times he passed through Jerusalem, healing the sick and working miracles to benefit those who were desperate for help. He taught powerful truths as well that promised great blessings.
At the same time he mentioned his departure, he said he will come again. “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go, I will come again … ” His return is the hope of believers today. It will not be for a continuation of his ministry on earth for he had his church do that. He specifically stated in the rest of that verse, “ … and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” The Lord Jesus wants you to be with him.
The apostle Paul referred to this great event as our “blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” He encouraged believers to keep looking for it to happen.
As well as looking for his return, preparation is necessary. Jesus taught with parables, stories with a point or principle. Several times he used a parable to encourage being ready for his return.
After his resurrection, Jesus was with his disciples for 40 days. He used that time to tell them of important aspects of his kingdom yet to come. When he ascended up to heaven, two men in white suddenly appeared and assured them that Jesus will return as they saw him go. The angels then instructed them to return to Jerusalem.
They gathered in Jerusalem in a prayer meeting. Suddenly the promise of the Spirit was fulfilled. Then Peter preached a powerful sermon. When the convicted crowd asked what they should do, Peter answered with simple directions written in Acts 2:38. We all can be ready and watching for the Lord Jesus to return for his church.
Mitch Glover is pastor of Sterling Pentecostal Church. Sunday services include Bible classes for all ages at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. Bible study is Thursday at 7 p.m. Visit the services and sterlingpentecostalchurch.com.
