Seasons of Love
Bible in a Year: Ezra 3-5; John 20
At just the right time . . . Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8
Today's Scripture: Romans 5:6-8
Insight
Romans 5:6-10 uses several unflattering terms to describe those who were apart from God: powerless, ungodly, sinners, enemies. Verse 6 says that “when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” The Greek word for powerless is asthenēs, which means “without strength,” “feeble,” “weak,” “infirm.” Ungodly is the word asebēs, which describes one who is “destitute of reverential awe toward God.” Paul says that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (v. 8). The Greek word for sinners (hamartōlos) describes one who is “devoted to sin,” “wicked ones.” Finally, the apostle describes those apart from God as enemies (v. 10).
The same passage that highlights human despair, however, includes rays of brilliant hope—God’s love expressed through Jesus’ death (v. 8). Because of God’s love and grace, believers are now alive in Christ and can show His beauty to those around us.
Flowers don’t have to be in bloom to be beautiful, says famed landscape designer Piet Oudolf. Even in the dead of winter, the Dutch gardener’s award-winning designs are known for their stunning appeal. “Beauty is in so many things you wouldn’t think of,” Oudolf says, although some may disagree. “The moment you say I love plants that are dead [dormant],” he said, “then you have a problem because people don’t like dead plants.”
Oudolf’s appreciation of plants’ life cycles echoes a core spiritual principle: While we were dead in our sins, God still loved us. “You see,” explained the apostle Paul, “at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6). Paul continued, “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (v. 8).
Jesus chose disciples with flaws. He ate meals with known sinners. He healed outcasts. Oudolf, likewise, is “interested in plants not only for their flowers, but also for their personality”—seeing beauty “in things that, on first sight, are not beautiful.”
As bearers of God’s image, we show Him to the world in how we relate to Him and each other. Planted in His love, we’re anointed by our Father to bloom anew in Him—once-dead sinners showing His beauty to a world longing for a glimpse of Him.
Reflect & Pray
In what season of your life did God call you? How can you spiritually bloom so others can see His image in you?
You called me when I was dead in my sins, dear God. Thank You for saving me to bloom anew in You.