Not Done Yet!

Since many of us will not have a formal service of the Easter Vigil on Saturday, I’ve chosen to explore these stated lectionary readings for the day. In Olden Days, churches would have the sanctuary open all night, on Easter eve, remembering Christ in the tomb. These would often conclude with bonfires before dawn, presaging the warmth of the holiness of Easter. It’s fitting for contemporary Christians to do something “different” between Crucifixion and Resurrection which might honor both the prevalent sadness/despair and the coming glory. Just when we felt abandoned, God tells us that it’s not over yet!

The long Old Testament reading, EXODUS 14:10-31, recalls the desperation of the recently escaped Israelites from slavery in Egypt: they had marched into the wilderness with Moses, and were now caught between the Red Sea/Sea of Reeds and the chariots of angry Egyptians. So what’s your plan, Moses? God, where ARE you?? So Moses raised his staff and the waters parted for the Israelites, but came back on the pursuing Egyptian army….drowning them all (or was it baptism?). Beyond approaching death was new life, at least for the Good Guys. God evidently wasn’t done yet.

Paul tells the ROMANS (6:3-11) that the only way to Life is through the portals of Death. This is an unpleasant passage, and we tend to soft-pedal it; yet beyond dying is the reality of Easter! “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” And so we keep vigil, with the expectation that the dawn will bring Good News: the opposite of Death. People begin to taste real life when they can sacrifice their selfish control–even their breathing–to wholly embrace God as seen in Jesus. As we recognize Christ’s life in us, we also become aware of a deeper integrity within us: compassion for the down ‘n ‘out, and an empathy with those struggling for righteousness.

The Gospel is LUKE’s account of the first Easter morning, 24:1-12. Although Jesus had announced his resurrection to them, his friends weren’t really expecting much. These women came looking for his dead body, bringing with them spices to anoint the dead. But the question for us all is, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” They all thought that their meaningful living was through–but again God said, “Not Yet Done!”

J. Michael Krech notes, “As the crossing of the [Red?] Sea marked Israel’s passage from slavery in Egypt to service of the true and living God, so does Christ’s resurrection open the way for the Christians’ journey from death to life.” (FEASTING on the WORD, C 2:333) Autobiographical note: I’m scared beyond words of the Egyptian chariots and the looming cross. Maybe you are too. As pilgrims through this barren land, it’s good to hear a cheerful Voice saying, “Not Done Yet!”

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

You’re invited to join me every Tuesday as we explore upcoming scriptures: at horacebrownking.com