The calendar says that Spring should be in full blossom where I live. Indeed, it is trying hard. We have some of the lushest and most colorful seasons I have ever seen. There is a progression of flowering trees and bushes that usher in the season. By the time, we reach mid-April, shades of pink, red, yellow, peach, green and lavender will have burst forth, sometimes all at once and in the same space. I look forward to this season every year, but not in March or April as many do. No, I am hinging my expectations on the indigenous yellow jasmine. They are usually the first blooms but sometimes they come with the flowering pear trees. What I love about the jasmine is how they seem to miraculously appear out of the dead, dry brush of winter barrenness. Each year, in late February, I begin looking for their first peeping through the roadside woods. I might see a bloom here or there and then one day, there will be a whole vine draped across an apparently dead branch, dressing the woods as though it were the belle of the ball. It is my annual reminder that God is not through with us yet. He is allowing us to see another season, giving us another season of renewal and hope.

The book of Isaiah, is one of the richest prophecies that point to Israel’s demise during his time, but also to Jesus Christ and ultimately to the New Jerusalem of Christ’s return. These prophecies are woven through the historical narrative that he gives and the judgments God pronounces to the unfaithful. Isaiah 35 is one of those small chapters that is wedged between judgment and historical narrative. It depicts a time yet to come that would give Israel the hope of a new season that they would need to persevere their immediate circumstances. The entire chapter ignites my imagination to see a future time in which everything will be beautiful, lush, bright and good. The first verse brings to mind the feeling I have when I see those first blooms of yellow jasmine in a dreary, gray winter woods.

The last few years, have been challenging. Even though, the seasons have changed physically, we have been in an extended winter so to speak. We are still fighting an incurable virus that has claimed too many lives. Injustices continue to roll. There is hate speech on almost every level of society. Now, currently we are watching a war unfold on the Ukrainian soil and there is much uncertainty for all of us. I believe whole-heartedly that God has all things in His hands. I also read and understand His word to know that there will be a time when time and life as we know it will be wrapped up. I believe by my confession of faith, that God has a place for me in His eternal kingdom. Still, day to day life can make it tough to remember this sometimes. This is why I am grateful for yellow jasmine in dreary woods to remind me that my hope is built on God’s promises and this is why I am grateful for Isaiah 35 which reminds me and all who believe, that God has an end plan we can all hope in. Indeed, part of this prophecy has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Because of that, I know I can trust that there is an eternal hope. Spring, yellow jasmine and the changing seasons are the way that God reminds us to hold on and wait patiently for Him to make all things new again.