The miracle of creation’s first light emerges every morning in a blend of beauty and mystery. The lifting mists slowly unveil the day’s reality. So it was on Resurrection morning for Jesus’ disciples. Comprehension of the enigma and meaning of the man who had died nailed to a Roman cross between two scoundrels slowly began to emerge as his followers pondered an empty tomb at dawn’s light.
Jesus’ Passion and Resurrection climaxed three exhausting years of trudging around Israel while teaching profound truths and performing endless miracles which demonstrated his power over nature, the spirit world, disease, and human brokenness. Yet, he had been judged and rejected by many because of his place of origin, heritage, lack of formal religious education, his socioeconomic status, his friends and associates, his countercultural beliefs, and the assumed threat he was to the religious rulers. Nevertheless, he had lived resolutely with divine love and purpose. No fault could be found in him despite having been tried and opposed by his own humanity, by Israel’s political-religious hierarchy, and by dark forces using all manner of evil against him –temptations, racism, bias, intolerance, misunderstanding, unbelief, treason, and jealousy over his power with the masses.
His inevitable crucifixion seemed a joyful victory for the opposition but a disastrous blow to his followers. Even so, he was not defeated. His true identity and purposes continued to unfold. Resurrection’s enlightening was just hours away from the darkness enshrouding his death. Those dark hours before resurrection day’s dawn were disorienting. His followers had been severely traumatized by the unjustifiable mockery, brutalization, humiliation, and murder of their dear friend, beloved leader, and mentor, the one they had confidently believed would be the salvation of Israel. His death dashed their personal dreams, their hopes for Israel, and put them in jeopardy. Imagine their shock, deep sadness, and despair! Fear, anger, anxiety, guilt and shame swirled through their conversations while that horrific drama played over and over in their heads. They mourned their friend. There was no way forward. There was no replacement for Jesus. No one had his power and vision. There would be no recovery. Their world was foreboding, pointless…
As they huddled together in fear and disbelief, their grieving minds were too fogged to remember or understand or perhaps even believe what Jesus had told them when he said “…you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. …” (John 16:19-24)
On Resurrection morning, bewilderment cautiously gave way with the angelic assurance that Jesus had risen “as he said he would.” Then they actually saw Jesus! Some at once. Some later. Joy kicked in. He was alive! They were getting some clarity. The amazing implications of Christ’s emergence from death’s cold, dark grip unveiled astonishing realities. The mist was indeed lifting! Death had been defeated! God’s Kingdom was not temporal but eternal! Humanity had hope! What a reversal a few hours made! Resurrection morning had come! He had risen from the dead! Truth was fully revealed.
Is Easter just a story? Has Easter dawned for us? Has it impacted us?
As an atheist, C. S. Lewis experienced what he called “willful blindness.” He had made no robust attempt to discover the truth about Christ. Often, this callous disregard or conscious avoidance of Christ occurs because Christianity is misunderstood. Christianity is all about God’s justice and Christ’s love and is not about people, institutions, or restrictions. Christ paid the price for our sins and offers to free us from the condemnation that we deserve because of our sinful natures. There is only one condition for that freedom! Belief. (Acts 16:31) (Romans 10:9-10)
Easter makes a mindboggling statement. It confirms the Gospel. Christ’s redemptive act at the cross is truly the necessary, gracious, merciful, remedy for mankind’s sinful nature, and his trumphant ressurection verifies his divinity and the eternal existence of man’s soul. Trusting Christ is not only God’s plan for spiritual renewal and purpose during this earthly journey but is our assurance that we will live with Him even when we die.
Could there be any more perfect or more hope-filled plan for when we exchange mortality for immortality?
Sweet Words from Maine 