April 4, 2025

Today's Reading: Mark 13:24-37

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 47:1-31; Genesis 48:1-49:28; Mark 13:24-37

[Jesus said,]“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (Mark 13:28-31)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

During Holy Week, Jesus foretold what the end of time would be like. Looking around, He mentioned the budding of the trees and the emerging leaves. If you look around you, you see that, too. Jesus wants springtime to remind you that Jesus and His return are near. He is coming again. That seems like a strange message just a few weeks before Easter. Usually, we think about the end of the world in the fall and winter as the days grow short and the darkness lengthens. Here, Jesus mentions it with new life and restoration and the plants growing again. The Last Day is, after all, a continuation of Easter and a celebration of new life.

Wait, you haven’t thought about the end of the world as a fulfillment of Easter and new life before? That’s fair. But do it now. Easter is a spring festival because Passover originally happened in the spring and was observed after that in the spring. As the leaves start to bud on the trees and flowers grow and people start to plant their gardens, reflect that this new growing season points ahead to the “new season” of God’s restoration when the current heavens and earth are replaced with the perfected, restored heavens and earth. In a couple of weeks, look at the Easter lilies and think, “Not only is it springtime, but Jesus’ resurrection is preparing me for eternal life!” As Jesus prepares you for Easter, He also prepares you for His return in glory when the Tree of Life will bear fruit every month (Revelation 22:1-2), and all things will be new and perfect. Springtime is great, but the eternal life of resurrection with God is even better! Look forward to that day of new life that began when Jesus rose from the grave to new life at Easter.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Herald, sound the note of triumph; Christ has come to share our life, Bringing God’s own love and power, Granting vict’ry in our strife. Sound the trumpet! Tell the message: Christ, the Savior king, is come! (LSB 511:4 and refrain)

-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!