|
Surprise Ending
Imagine the Sabbath after the crucifixion of Christ. Sabbath begins at 6pm Friday and ends 6pm Saturday. The followers of Jesus must have had an agonizing Friday evening as the full effect of their tragedy came to fruition in their minds and spirits. Surely they didn't sleep much if at all.
They could be sure that for 24 hours they would be safe from the authorities. No one would arrest them on the Sabbath. They had time to recoup, regroup, to decide what was the next step for them as individuals and as a family of believers.
Today we enjoy the Sabbath after Good Friday with anticipation of Resurrection Morning. We know how the story played out. We mourn and repent on Good Friday knowing that Sunday will be filled with worship, celebration, family gatherings, good food, candy and fun.
The disciples were in the middle of it all. They were a part of the story. There was no reason for them to anticipate celebration the next morning. A lot of questions. A lot of fear. A lot of anxiety and uncertainty. Hope had died. Peace was gone. Joy ended.
When you are a participant of history, when you are experiencing life as it unfolds, one of the most difficult aspects is the not knowing. Not knowing what is around the bend, not knowing what the next day will bring, not knowing the end of the story.
Easter is the ultimate surprise ending. It's the ultimate twist in a tale that reads like a best seller. The movie "The Sixth Sense" was such a compelling movie because the end of the story revealed a cryptic truth: Bruce Willis character was actually dead throughout most of the movie although it didn't appear that way. When watching it a second time one can see that there were clues throughout the movie that could only be understood by someone who knew the ending. Watching it the first time it's not obvious.
After the resurrection of Jesus the disciples had plenty of "Aha!" moments. They remembered that He said that if the authorities destroyed "this temple" He would raise it up in three days. It all made sense after the resurrection. They recalled many other things He said alluding to His resurrection. Certain enigmatic prophecies about the Messiah became clear. They were transformed from a despondent band of disciples to men and women focused on their mission to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.
All because of Easter.
Easter should serve to remind us that our story isn't over even when it seems it's over. Nothing is over until God says it's over. Remember we are in the midst of history, suspended in a storyline that has yet to conclude. Allow Easter to remind you that what happened last night, last week or last year can turn on a dime. What seemed to others and ourselves to be our undoing might be the very thing that changes our lives forever bringing celebration, hope, peace and joy!
Have a blessed Easter, my friends!
__________________
When a newspaper posed the question, "What's Wrong with the World?" G. K. Chesterton reputedly wrote a brief letter in response: "Dear Sirs: I am. Sincerely Yours, G. K. Chesterton." That is the attitude of someone who has grasped the message of Jesus.
|
Linear Mode
