Romans 6: 8-9
“Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.
The Easter Sunday that we just celebrated was like no other. Many of the traditions that we have taken for granted and hold dear—worshipping with our church friends, followed by a big dinner with family, to name just a couple—were squashed because we have been shuttered by a teeny tiny microscopic virus. Gloom has descended upon the world; fear has gripped many; the deadly disease has had its way with thousands.
The preceding three weeks of isolation—apart from occasionally venturing out for fresh air, taking a drive to see the Spring blossoms or to buy food—have been eerily quiet and peaceful. There has been more time for sleeping, sewing, cooking, checking up friends, reading, writing, praying, and contemplating what the Lord might want to teach me from this experience. Each day seems a repeat of the day before, to the point where I’m losing track of what day it actually is.
And then came Easter Sunday, the one like no other. With many online church services to choose from, we “attended” several, prayed and sang more, and visited with folks by phone and online. It strikes me that it was more of what the Lord had in mind in keeping the Sabbath “holy”—set apart for Him. It also offered hope and encouragement to face the uncertain days ahead.
“Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb;
lovingly he greets us, scatters fear and gloom;”
~ Richard B. Hoyle
On that first Easter, Jesus conquered not only fear and gloom, but death itself. They have no hold on us. In the days ahead, may we remember why this Easter Sunday was like no other, perhaps for good reason.
