Writing about Easter deep in Holy Week is, on the whole, pretty reflective of my spirit-life. How about you? Fickle as the weather, this liturgical season is a patchwork of sunshine and cloud; and that’s not only in Holy Week. Truth be told, my devotions plod on with an occasional fit of fervor–and those regrettable detours into shallowness which I’ve never outgrown. Lord have mercy; Christ have mercy; Lord have mercy.
Third Isaiah speaks a Word from a most-patient and steadfast God. (65:17-25) As Believers are swiftly becoming overwhelmed by the forces of Hell Itself, only Grace can say, “But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating;” and then goes on to describe a Peaceable Kingdom where wolves and lions will not hurt or destroy on this holy mountain. A bit before Resurrection; yet we suppose that Isaiah was seeing an ultimate resolution to all the slings and arrows. (Come quickly, Lord Jesus!)
And then, in retrospect, Peter spoke: “They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear….All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (Acts 10:39-40, 43) Peter addressed what he saw, not in the cold pre-dawn discouragement of Good Friday morning, but in the bright sunshine of God’s New Day.
It’s probably easy to get caught up in the Easter Morning story of faithful Mary, who came to the garden alone while the dew was still on the roses. But let this message rise far above a dime-store romance with a happy ending! It’s about running men who’re trying desperately to see God’s work in all this mess: “[John] bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there….Then [Peter], who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed.” (John 20:5-8) Mary saw two angels in white, and then she saw Jesus himself!
So much of what we do on Sunday will be visual. Most of the women of our congregation will dress beautifully, and we guys will try to look as good as possible, too. There will be bright flowers all ’round! We’ll smile and strut in the spring sunshine. In the midst of it, look diligently for signs of the Risen Christ. The Kingdom of God has drawn near!
May every morning be Easter Morning, from now on!
God Bless Us, Every One….
H B King
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