New seasons in life often mean times of change. We all have our favorite seasons, but without changing the seasons, there would not be a growth and production cycle. Winter is my least favorite season, but the ground could not rest without it. Spring is a wonderful season when seeds are planted and begin to grow. Without summer, plants could not grow to maturity, and without fall, there would not be a harvest.
Our spiritual lives often experience cycles and seasons as God shapes and molds us to build His Kingdom. New seasons can be an opportunity to start again in different areas of your life. While change can be stressful, we can rejoice that the Lord walks with us through this changing season.
The Disciples Entered into a New Season
On the day before His crucifixion, Jesus told the disciples in this next season, things would be different. As the disciples listened, they still did not understand that their lives would be turned upside down within a few hours and would never be the same. The three years of training with Jesus would end, and they would enter a new season.
Luke 22:35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you out to preach the Good News, and you did not have money, a traveler’s bag, or an extra pair of sandals, did you need anything?” “No,” they replied. 36 “But now,” he said, “take your money and a traveler’s bag. And if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one![1]
Why would Jesus tell them they needed a sword in this season? The days ahead of the disciples would be difficult. No longer could they count the kind reception they had received earlier when Jesus sent them out. During the upcoming persecution, the disciples would need to protect themselves.
Adjusting to a New Season
Just as Jesus came into the world at the right time, it would now be time for His death and resurrection. Luke 22:37 For the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled: ‘He was counted among the rebels.’ Yes, everything written about me by the prophets will come true.”[2] After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into heaven, the disciples waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit. With the coming of the Holy Spirit, the disciples would enter a season of building the early church.
When you reflect on your life, how has each season of life prepared you for the next? How did each season transform you? While we may have our plans, God’s plans for our lives are the most significant. Proverbs 19:21You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. [3]
To learn more about new seasons in life, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/counted-among-rebels
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.