(THIS WEEK: Death)
Autumn is perplexing.
For some, it’s a straightforward proposition. They enjoy the crisp weather, the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables and the changing color of the leaves.
Those with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) notice the dropping of the leaves more than their foliage and get depressed as the days get shorter and the colder temperatures drop a dose of winter’s reality on frosty windshields.
Both camps would have to agree that the fall brings death. With each leaf raked, we see evidence of decay. The naked trees seem to shiver and we can’t clothe them nor bring back the exuberance and strength of their short-lived green leaves. When the wind blows through the their exposed branches, there is no more shimmer on their extremities.
Fall raises the question of death. What in the world was God thinking when He allowed this goblin? If it’s bleak in the metaphor of seasons, how is it not chilling in a person who is entering the autumn of their life?
Most agree that God’s a smart character. What then is the answer to His fall riddle? Scripture says that the saint’s death is “precious in the sight of the Lord.” (Psalm 116:15) The Bible also says that we are to pick up our cross and follow Christ on a straight death-walk.
When the Autumn leaves swirl in funnels near the corner of the house, we observe two things: 1) the wind we cannot see and, 2) the dead leaf it stirs that we can observe.
It is good to take this metaphor along with us through every season.
PORTAL TO HEAVEN: God is good and he brings literal and figurative death to every person. It would be a shame to miss His certain, yet-oft-disguised, motivation when every leaf seems to be dropping off our trees.
For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature…Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord…And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose…Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Romans 7:18 (NIV), Job 2:1(KJV), Psalm 23:6 (ESV), Romans 8:28 (NIV)