The Beautiful Colors Of Death

“We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.”

Isaiah 64:6b

I’ve seen leaves turn colors but it’s the first time I have really paid attention to the undeniable but surface beauty that accompanies fleeting existence. I have noticed that Autumn happens to be the season I find myself easily being distracted with inconsequential things, and no, I am not just talking about leaves.

What’s interesting is the fact that each leaf has its appointed time to fall to the ground and before it does, it remains a particular color. This beautiful amber color produced when the sun shines on it signifies that the time is near.

Even as it falls to the ground, it transforms into different hues, some purple, some burnt sienna, mustard, and most commonly, the color of earth. Let this be a reminder that death is truly not the end; it only carries a believer to a beautiful transformation. All this foliage comes from the same kind of tree but this array of colors would not be possible until the leaves die at their appointed time.

If we associated death with these beautiful colors, I don’t think people would fear it at all but believe it or not, that fear was one that led me to the feet of Jesus Christ. It was the kind of fear which once put me in a state of paralysis, but not anymore.

“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, ¹⁵ and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”

Hebrews 2:14-15