In the Waiting....

The cross is stunning!  It is stunning in the turnaround from Jesus entering Jerusalem triumphantly to such a sudden betrayal and then being walked out the back door mocked and carrying a criminal’s cross just a day or so later.

It is shockingly stunning in it’s brutality and it is equally stunningly beautiful in it’s victory for humanity that was won by God himself, giving himself; his son, as the price for our salvation.  Even today – a couple of thousand years later – our hearts can find a home in Him.

It is stunning in the completeness of the victory that was won. I love the idea of the torn curtain – that there is now full access to the one true mighty and holy God.  Our sin has no hold on us anymore -  if only we accept the work of the cross.

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Sometimes I think it is easier to understand the cross more than the resurrection. It was done and finished at the cross, but if we put ourselves in the place of the disciples on Easter Saturday – they were waiting and wondering what it was all about.  Everything had changed… the ministry of Jesus that they had left their ordinary lives for - had all come to a grinding halt, or had it? 

The disciples found themselves waiting on this side of the cross shell shocked and bewildered.  Everything had happened so quickly between the Passover meal they had shared together on the Thursday and then Jesus had been betrayed, arrested, tried and marched out to the cross.  The Saturday Joseph had to find somewhere to bury him – for some respect and honour for Jesus and the family. 

They didn’t have to wait too long. In the evening they were locked away somewhere, fearful of the Jewish leaders (John 20:19).  Jesus appeared to them, revealing himself as risen and granted them peace and purpose – in the Holy Spirit.  Their despair turned to joy. Their bewilderment turned to hope.  The impossible had happened - their Lord and Saviour had overcome death and now there was at least some kind of sense in it all. In an instant everything changed.  The absolute train wreck they had witnessed was now no longer a complete derailing….

The promises and teachings of Jesus only make sense on this side of the resurrection.  In the natural, they might sound nice but they don’t make too much sense.  The things of the Spirit are above earthly things. His ways are higher than our ways (Is 55:9). The resurrection gives us permission to believe that miracles in Jesus' name are possible today - yes even today - a couple of thousand years later.

Sometimes we have things in our lives that don’t make much sense.  Illness, or chaos can create despair.  Betrayal or broken relationships can leave us bewildered.  But Jesus came that we might have life.  He gave his life that we might find ours.

John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

His love for the world overcame the grave, He provides a table for us in the presence of or enemies.  His is still our rest, our hope, our freedom and our salvation.

And yet, like the disciples, at times we find ourselves waiting and wondering.  Yielded, surrendered, with nowhere else to turn. However, we know he is alive.

Come Lord Jesus, Come!

I hope you have had a blessed Easter!!