There is something gloriously exciting about a new beginning. It may be something really simple, like when you first open a new book that someone has recommended to you, or when you sit down to relax and watch a new series that’s streaming – one that everyone has been banging on about, and you just can’t wait to get stuck in, to see what all the fuss is about!
Or it could be something potentially life-changing, like leaving behind an old job or school to begin a long-anticipated new career opportunity, possibly welcoming a new baby into the family, or maybe moving to a new house or a new area.
Something wonderful
We can feel the anticipation building as the time for this new beginning approaches, and maybe we feel a little anxiety about it, if it is a big change.
But there is something wonderful about a new opportunity or making a fresh start, and often a sense of relief once that change is definitely going to happen – particularly if it has been long-awaited, and we are leaving behind something that wasn’t what we wanted or enjoyed.
One example of a new beginning that we, here in the UK and Europe, are seeing now and see every year is the start of spring time. Have you ever uttered the words, “Finally, it’s spring”?
I definitely have! Some of us love the winter… chilly walks in the snow, bitter evenings curling up under a cosy blanket by a fire… but perhaps, like me, spring brings you a real sense of relief. It’s like a fresh start, where everything has been tucked away, hiding through the dark winter months, but it’s all now waking up at last. Maybe you also love watching the first green shoots appearing out of the frosty ground, seeing buds and blossom starting to appear on the trees, hearing birds beginning their spring songs and seeing all the new, vibrant colours emerging.
I often feel that, in seeing this process unfold, we are getting just the tiniest glimpse of what we can look forward to in the Kingdom of God, when in His mercy and love, He will renew the original beauty of the earth.
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth.”
“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.”
Enjoying a new start
This will be the real, ultimate fresh start for the world: when Jesus will return to begin his reign of righteousness, justice, peace and joy.
It will not just be a new beginning for the natural earth, but for all those who live upon it, and for all the faithful who will be there to enjoy it – without the dark threat of pain, sorrow or death hanging over them.
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Despite all the beauty that we can see around us and appreciate now in nature, it’s amazing to think that even this simply does not compare to what it will be like in God’s Kingdom. But thanks be to God, who has given us this little preview in spring upon which to build our hope and our faith, as we wait for the return of Jesus and our new beginning.
If you would like to know more about the message of God’s Kingdom and how you could play a part, look out for our new series of live talks coming up in May, on Sunday evenings at 5pm.