When we moved into our home a couple of years ago, there existed underneath the back deck a small bird’s nest. It was built high in a protected corner and served as home for many little bird babies over multiple years.
The deck, however, was old. The boards were rotting, and in some places had caved through. Sections of the deck were “spongey” … threatening to cave through soon. The deck needed to be replaced.
This past February the old deck was torn down and a new deck was built in its place. The thought of the little bird nest never crossed our minds.
With the deck just recently finished, there remained the task of bringing the picnic table and chairs back to the deck. Much to our great surprise! … as we were passing by the corner, we noticed a small bird’s nest up underneath … in the exact same spot!
I found myself thinking how similar this is to the Old Testament Law and Jesus Christ! Our old deck had served its purpose, year after year after year … so also, the Old Testament Law served its purpose, year after year after year.
“The Law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the Law.” – Galatians 3:24-25
Our old deck had served its purpose … but the time came when it needed to be removed and a new deck needed to take its place. In the same way, the Old Testament Law served its purpose, but the time came when the Law needed to be set aside because the fulfillment of the Law had come to take its place.
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem those under the Law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.” – Galatians 4:4-5
The new deck took the place of the old deck, completely removing the old deck. In the same way, Jesus Christ completely fulfilled the requirements of the Law … and completely removed its requirements and regulations.
“For Christ Himself is our peace, who has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in His flesh the Law with its commandments and regulations.” – Ephesians 2:14-15
The requirements of the Law have been removed. Gone.
But what about the Hope of new life that existed because of the Law??
What about the little bird’s nest that brought the hope of new life – is it gone forever, now that the old deck is removed??
The Hope of Life remains!
Just like the little bird’s nest remains … so also, through Jesus Christ, the Hope of New Life remains!
In Jesus Christ there is Hope and New Life!
