THE ORANGE LEAF

Gorgeously brilliant, a true, bright hue,
a one-of-a-kind, a marvelous view.
And there I see it beam in the sun,
the perfect orange leaf unlike any one. 

Ongoing giver, the star of spring,
a dainty orange tree, a new life to bring.
And there I trace it, sent through the sky,
the free swirling seed that came from up high.

Delicate showcase, the crown of fall,
an emblem of change, the best of them all.
And there I catch it, crisp in the air,
the Maple Tree’s Gift that none can compare!

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6

THE ORANGE LEAF

The brisk air brings Autumn as maple trees change into vibrant color. Some kids love to jump into piles of leaves. And some try to catch a leaf as it swirls down from the top of a tree. Maybe it will be placed inside the pages of a book to be preserved.

Either the words spoken by Jesus Christ in John 14:6 are truth or foolery. There aren’t many ways to God, only one. We know that by faith in Christ, God's Son, we have reconciliation, salvation, eternal life, joy, inheritance and victory.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Acts 4:12

 (of his dear Son…)
Who is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of every creature: 
For by him were all things created,
that are in heaven, and are in earth,
visible and invisible,
whether they be thrones, or dominions or 
principalities, or powers:
all things were created by him, and for him.
Colossians 1:15-16

and

For it pleased the Father
 that in him should all fullness dwell;
And, having made peace through the blood
of his cross, by him to reconcile
 all things unto himself;
by him, I say,
whether they be things in earth,
or things in heaven.
Colossians 1: 19-20

Although everyone is made in God’s image, not everyone is a child of God. God wouldn’t have sent His Son to die for our sins if we were already His children. We need redemption.

But as many as received him,
to them gave he power to become
the sons of God, even to them that
believe on his name:
Which were born, not of blood, 
nor of the will of the flesh,
nor of the will of man,
but of God.
John 1:12-13

Receiving Jesus is believing in Jesus, kind of like catching that special orange leaf! In the book of Revelation, God, angels, elders, beasts and living creatures acknowledge Jesus Christ as the only one worthy to open the book at the end times. No one else anywhere in all the universe is able to open that book or even look at it. The whole heavenly host will witness the event and I think we’ll see it too, no matter what side of eternity we’re on.

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.
Revelation 5:9

The book of Revelation shows us what will happen once the book is opened by Jesus, the Lamb of God, broken seal after broken seal. 

It is Jesus who will start the vengeance that God said He would have. 

For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Hebrews 10:30-31 

It is Jesus who will issue judgment. 

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats.
Matthew 25: 31-32

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
Verse 46

It is Jesus who will begin the harvest of the earth and make war.

And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
Revelation 14:16

Remember what happened to people like Korah and King Sennacherib. They are examples of what not to do. Instead, turn to God in prayer like Moses and King Hezekiah did, much to Korah and King Sennacherib’s demise. 

Pray that your loved ones know how much Jesus loves us. Ask God to help you and your loved ones understand His Word. Pray for your enemies, and for steady faith during this time.

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.
Ephesians 2:13-14

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Colossians 3:12-13

May your name be recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life because of your belief. May you catch the Orange Leaf that the Maple Tree freely gives! In this season and because of that catch, may you put on kindness and patience.