Have you ever noticed the hostility of nature with the coming of spring? The fierceness of wind and its moaning and howling seems to be saying: "I'm putting up my best fight against new life. I'll disturb and discourage the promise of spring. I'll blow and bring storms of fury and keep winter going as long as I can!"

Eventually, winter gives up for as surely as each season arrives, nature must surrender.

As for me, I think the storms of approaching spring is nature's way of getting back at the world for what they did to Jesus. He came to save mankind, yet he was scourged, beaten, mocked, ridiculed, rejected and crucified on a splintered old wooden cross for you and for me.

There are so many prophecies in the Old Testament concerning Jesus. Centuries before Jesus came, these prophecies foretell of His coming:

Isaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (KJV)

Isaiah 9:6: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (NIV)

Zechariah 9:9-13: "Rejoice greatly, O my people! Shout with joy! For look--your King is coming! He is the Righteous One, the Victor! Yet he is lowly, riding on a donkey's colt!" (TLB) Micah 5:2 tells that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.

Psalm 22:14 relates the heartbreaking story of how Jesus' tongue stuck to the top of His mouth, how He could count all His bones and how the soldiers drew lots for His clothing. Isaiah 53 displays the excruciating pain and shame Jesus endured: "He was beaten down and punished, but he didn't say a word. He was like a lamb being led to be killed. He was quiet, as a sheep is quiet while its wool is being cut; he never opened his mouth." (NCV) Many other scriptures attest to the death and resurrection of Jesus.

I love the coming of the Easter season. In spite of pre-spring storms, I see new growth budding all around me. It reminds me of the new life offered in Christ Jesus.

"Though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow." With Jesus there is always hope. No matter what has happened in the past, godly sorrow in repentance brings one to the Good Shepherd and He restores that "sheep" to the fold. No storm can shake those who take refuge in the Lord. His love is incredible and it is for you.

I read a story of a train switchman and his small son who had come to work with him that morning. The daddy's job was to pull the switch that caused the oncoming train to be on a side track. A flood had washed out the bridge on the main route. The passenger train carried many travelers.

As the fast approaching train came nearer to the track to be switched, the father looked up in horror. His little son was playing on that detour track. There was no time to scream. The father had a split decision to make. To save his son he had to allow the train of passengers to proceed down the track toward the washed out bridge.

To save the passengers he must pull the switch, detouring the train to a safe passage, but his son would be killed in the process. In that moment of unbearable pain and agony, he sacrificed his son.

God sacrificed His Son too. Love comes with a price!

My talented nephew's song tells it all: