Love Wins

 

Tonight, as I reflect on the joy of today - the church service, the family, the food, the laughter, the pictures, the fun - my mind goes back to that day. The day Jesus walked out of the tomb and everything changed. The tragic death just days before - the darkness that covered all humanity, the sadness, the loss, and grief - now turned miracle. Light pierced through the darkness and new life emerged. I imagine there were massive celebrations that day, too.  Family gathering together to celebrate what Love had just accomplished. Friends rejoicing together knowing the effect of Jesus’s resurrection. People everywhere overwhelmed by the realization of what this meant for humanity. And, no doubt, some who were shocked by what had taken place. Honestly, the whole thing kind of shocks me, too. Everything He did was for me. For you. To think I was worth it is a bit overwhelming. But, I was. You are. Everything Jesus did was because we are worth it to Him. 

So, on this Resurrection Sunday, my prayer for us all is that we hold on to that truth. A promise of new life - an eternal life with Jesus - made possible through a tragic death and miraculous resurrection. That is what Love did. And that was the only way. But, I matter. You matter. Love wins. 

The In-Between Day

 

We remember Good Friday and the magnitude of what took place on the cross and we celebrate the third day - His resurrection - hope restored. But what about the second day - the in-between day? What happens during this time? What happens when darkness falls and it seems we’ve lost all hope? When we are stuck in the unknown? 

When Jesus died, many people left. I’m sure the weight of grief and loneliness was almost unbearable. Darkness covered their lives. Hopelessness was closing in. I wonder if there were some who gave up. “Well, we had a good run.” “It was fun while it lasted.” Or maybe some who voiced their doubt and unbelief with, “I should’ve known this wasn’t the answer.” But then we see Mary Magdalene and Mary, Jesus’s mom, who stayed close by, watching and waiting. They didn’t know when, where, or how, but they were waiting for Jesus to show up. They held on to hope even in the darkness. They spent their days of darkness in anticipation - waiting and expecting Jesus. And they were the first to see Jesus after the resurrection! 

Where are you when darkness falls? What do you do when bad things happen or you lose your way? Are you like the ones who give up, walk away from it all, sink under the weight of sadness, fear, and loneliness, OR are you like these women who spent their time believing and expecting Jesus to show up? Do you live in constant anticipation of what God is doing and how He will appear? 

So on this “In-between day,” let’s remind ourselves to look for Jesus. To watch for Him to show up - to appear to you even in your darkness because He will! Stay strong and let hope light your way. Anticipate His coming because He will!

Good Friday

Good Friday.  A day of remembering such a tragic - yet necessary - event.  I can’t imagine the emotions that day. The sadness, the tears, the hopelessness, the fear, the loneliness. The sorrow. The feeling that death has stolen from us. Seemingly defeated and drowning in life. Questions like “what the heck do we do now?” Or “why do we even bother if the end hurts so bad?” But, death was not the end. Love walked itself - Himself -  to the cross that day so death was not the end. Love walked Himself to the cross as the ultimate sacrifice for our sin. Despite the pain of His death, Love held Himself on the cross because He knew it was His blood that could save us. There was no other way. Love gave generously of Himself - He gave His life - for all of humanity. Death was not the end. The overwhelming sadness of the day would soon turn to joy. After a time, Love walked out of the tomb and offered new life. Love wins. Love walked out of the grave and changed everything. Love walked the Earth as a man, died a tragic death as the ultimate sacrifice, and rose again so we could live with Him forever. And until the day we leave this world to live with Him, He lives in us. Love walks with us every step we take. That is a promise worth celebrating - worth living for!