The seasons have a context in Genesis as God promises Summer and Winter will continue as long as the earth endures (exists). That promise is given in the all-important Book of Beginnings that starts with creation, describes the fall of man due to man’s sin, and relates what happens in mankind that leads to the Genesis Flood. The grand framework for seasonal changes provides the framework to talk about Spring, which we happen to be experiencing in Virginia as this is written.
The transition from Winter to Spring dictates a lot of human activity for the production of food for the next year. With Genesis in mind, it is also worth recalling the continuing mercy and patience of God as they continue. Why? Because God remains resolute in His promise in hopes that in His patience people will call on Him (2 Pet 3:8), so the seasons continue.
Spring for middle latitudes is the time when Winter loses its grip, temperatures swing wide, winds tend to be higher, and rains often come. The rains are mentioned in verses like Zechariah 10:1 and Hosea 6:3. Several verses about Spring speak of God’s ability to withhold the expected Spring rain because of man’s wayward ways. Spring rains, in most places, are essential for a new season of food growth and production. They should not be taken for granted.
Spring also has special beauty. New growth and color begin to emerge. Animal habits begin to change. The first image shows an example in Piedmont Virginia, where the trees begin to show the bright green of fresh growth. Many trees, like maples, show a red hue as the first buds appear. The colors show a striking contrast to winter’s bare forest. Here in the Piedmont, the dogwood (the white flowering tree at the bottom of the image) begin to flower white or pink. As temperatures continue to warm, they bloom higher and higher on the slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The deer are very active in Spring. The mornings are often still cold, but the grasses green quickly and provide food for them. When they are wet with dew in the early mornings, deer are often seen feeding (see the image below). Similar changes of animal behavior occur among other kinds.
The new life of Spring is also used to talk about love in the Song of Solomon (2:10-13). Attributes of the Spring season, like the abundance of new fresh flowers and blossoms, are used in the context of the calling forth of a covenant relationship of love between a man and woman. The definition of that marriage relationship goes back, of course, to the first parts of Genesis but is also underlined by Jesus Christ in the Gospels (Matthew 19:4-6). The Book is a powerful reminder of new love between a man and a woman. The beautiful emergence of Spring is a fitting picture.
So as new life emerges in Spring, be reminded of the powerful biblical context. The seasons are promised to continue as long as the earth endures. As another season of winter breaks and life appears fresh again, so remember the kindness and patience of our Lord, who does not want anyone to perish and promises new life to those who call upon Him. And, finally, remember that Spring is also a reminder of new or fresh love expressed in a marriage relationship, which is a special one defined by the Creator.
