27/08/2013 - THE WINTER IS PAST

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My beloved spoke, and said to me: “Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grapes give a good smell. Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away!”

Song of Solomon 2.10-13

Many Christians have not listened to the Lord’s voice, inviting them for the new life he inaugurated for his Church (Hebrews 10.19-20): since the day Jesus resurrected, there is no more eternal suffering for the people of God. The Lord has fulfilled all his promises, making us partakers of his nature (2Peter 1.4); however, the message that some churches and other religions disseminate is still weak, despite their good intentions.

It is not enough to know that in Jesus we “passed from death into life” (John 5.24); it is essential that we walk with him and stand firm in this assurance. This way we will be led into safe paths, green pastures and beside the still waters (Psalm 23.2). With God being our guide, no door will remain closed, no suffering will last forever and no evil will resist. So, brethren, even if our enemies shoot arrows at us, the Lord our God—like a strong and courageous warrior—will defend us and lead us into victory.

Through God’s grace that has been poured out on us, we can say that life is beautiful. But Jesus considers us his friends when we do what he has commanded us to do. Those who do not keep his commandments are declaring that they do not need the Lord’s friendship, and become separated from him.

The Scriptures declare: the winter—time of spiritual coldness, in which we should dress warmly and protect us with whatever we have—is past, and now we have God’s anointing, which helps us remain on the spiritual standards that God wants for our lives. And the rain, despite all inconveniences it causes sometimes—floods, loss of the crop or material possessions—is over. It is time for prosperity, so we must pursue all blessings that were promised to us, we must assume our position in Christ, demanding our rights as children of God. The flowers have appeared, and by remaining steadfast we will turn the world into a garden.

The time to weep has passed, so we must cry only out of joy and satisfaction due to our position in the Lord Jesus. The fig tree puts forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grapes give a good smell. God has fulfilled all his promises. Therefore, brethren, it is time to celebrate. Raise your head and press towards total and full victory in Christ! There is nothing to be done but believe. The Lord’s invitation is for the Church to rise up and come away, and that is what the Almighty God is telling you right now. So do your part!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares