When Seasons Change it is a Metaphor to Spiritual Change
Then he said to the crowds, ‘When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once that it is going to rain, and so it does. And when you feel the south wind blowing, you say that it is going to be hot, and so it is. You frauds! You know how to interpret the look of the earth and the sky. Why can’t you interpret the meaning of the times in which you live?’ -Luke 12:54-56
With seasons changing, there are signs that show us the weather is about to change. What are some of those signs?
- As Summer gives way to Autumn : the temperature begins to change, leaves turn different colors, animals actively store food for the winter.
- As Autumn gives way to Winter the ground freezes, snow begins to fall, deciduous trees are bare, the forests become very quiet.
- As Winter gives in to Spring, the snow melts, the air warms, rains fall to the earth, plants begin to sprout, baby animals are born….
- And as Spring gives way to Summer, life bursts forth, insects fill the air with sound, animals fatten, crops grow vibrantly, etc.
We see in nature very obviously the signs of seasonal change. It is clear that God designed seasonal change to teach us to notice other signs of change, in the spiritual realm.
The Old Testament prophets foretold of three signs of an epic seasonal-spiritual change that would come to mark the dawning of the New Covenant through the Son of Man, the Savior of the world. Like everything in nature, God has woven mysteriously into the fabric of Creation millions of metaphors that are meant to point us to him. Seasonal change is one of the big ones. The Old Testament prophets foretold that one day in the future (they lived hundreds of years before Jesus), that certain signs would occur that would indicate that the Messiah had come to earth.
The Gospel of John succinctly highlights how Jesus Christ fulfilled all of these signs, and therefore is the Savior of the world.
RELATED POST: 6 BIBLICAL LESSONS FROM THE CHANGING OF THE SEASONS
Sign #1: The Messiah Will Have Power and Authority as the Son of Man
Prophecy: (Daniel 7:13-14) ‘In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.‘
Fulfillment: (John 5:27) And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.
Fulfillment: (Mark 1:22) The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.
Sign #2: The Messiah Will Heal the Sick and the Broken
Prophecy: (Isaiah 35:6) Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.
Prophecy: (Jeremiah 31:8-9) ‘See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor; a great throng will return. They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel’s father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son.’
Fulfillment: (John 5:20) For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.
Fulfillment: (Luke 7:22) ‘Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.’
Sign #3: The Messiah Would Raise the Dead to Life
Prophecy: (Deuteronomy 32:39) ‘See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand.’
Prophecy: (1 Samuel 2:6) ‘The Lord brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up.‘
Prophecy: (2 Kings 5:7) As soon as the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his robes and said, ‘Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy? See how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me!’
Fulfillment: (John 5:21) For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.
Fulfillment: (John 11:43-44) When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, ‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go.’
Jesus fulfilled them all. Jesus challenged the people of his day with these words:
You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. -John 5:39-40
What do you say about him? Are you in awe of Jesus? As you look at signs of seasonal change in your midst, maybe this can renew your awe in Jesus like it does mine.
LET’S DO THIS
- Spend some time this week reflecting on the signs of seasonal change you notice.
- Seasonal change is obvious but because of spiritual blindness, the signs of the Messiah are not so obvious to people. Why is that?
- How might you joyfully share with someone this week about these three signs that the prophets said would happen when the Savior of the world came to earth. Ask them if they recognize that Jesus fulfilled them all. What does that mean to their life, now that they know this?
What thoughts do you have about this topic? Anything you agree with? Anything you would add to the discussion? I’d love to hear your comments!
