New irises! In a weak moment in March, when I was away from home for three weeks, I ordered a dozen new irises from an online catalog. They were shipped two weeks ago, at the appropriate time for planting in our area.
It was like Christmas in July! Although the shriveled roots and small rhizomes could not be expected to produce blooms for another 21 months, the anticipation of something new in my 2018 garden was exhilarating.
It’s not as if the garden is devoid of fabulous irises. This year was the first bloom year for such beauties as “Doodads” and “Bel Esprit.”
The older irises are wonderful as well. The heirloom “Alcazar” has a fragrance unmatched by anything else. But something new? It makes our hearts beat a little faster, doesn’t it?
Some years ago, I wrote a column harking back wistfully to a simpler time in life when right and wrong seemed a lot clearer to many people. A reader reminded me that not everything was better, and indeed it was not.
Sometimes newer is better. We rightly go back to the New Testament for our authority and guidance in spiritual matters, rather than searching “with itching ears” for something shiny and new to capture our attention.
But even the New Testament is…..well…the NEW Testament. We don’t follow the Old Testament since Christ came to nail it on the cross.
“He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross (Colossians 2:13b-14, NASB).
Except for example (Romans 15:4) the Old has given way to the New, as the old has now been fulfilled in Christ.
This certainly doesn’t condone or promote a state of constant change in matters of faith. Change for the sake of change is a popular idea with which modern man seems to be enamored. The faith was “once for all” given to us (Jude 3, NASB).
It does, however, allow us to look at new things that will help us fulfill God’s commandments.
“Go ye” can now be fulfilled by airplane, car, and other forms of transportation.
“Hear” can be fulfilled by audio Bible, or by reading the scriptures on an electronic device.
“Teach” can now be done by social media, email, phone, and websites.
Until last year, I had never grown Thunbergia in the garden. Three years ago, I hadn’t discovered what a great plant Angelonia was.
I love new things!
As I anticipate my Tu Tu Turquoise dwarf bearded iris blooming two years from now, let us embrace the new when it doesn’t conflict with God’s word. No, not just because it’s new; but because it just may be a better way to serve God.
Did you read this column on a computer? I’ve made my case. However, God’s word never changes (Luke 21:33). Don’t expect anything new there!