Waiting


Last night I went to our Good Friday service at church. It's one of those services that can't be missed - because it's message can't be heard enough. Pastor had asked me to be one of the readers - there were six passages and he asked me to find two other ladies to read and assign two readings to each of us. The text, of course, was from John 18 and 19. The betrayal in the garden, the trial and Pontius Pilate's efforts to save Jesus, and the crucifixion. The story never gets repeated enough, and never ceases to put a lump in my throat as it's being read. I was thankful that the Word got past that lump as I read.
Today, we wait. We, as Christians, know that just as we grieved yesterday, tomorrow we will rejoice. We know that on this the second day of Easter weekend so many centuries ago our Savior slept in a tomb, and on Easter morning, He would arise.
And, on the same day He arose, he would walk down a road to Emmaeus. How many, like Thomas, need to see the wounds in Jesus hands and side to believe God's glory in Jesus' resurrection? Thankfully, we who are Christians do not need to see those wounds.
We just believe.
My friend at church told me a cute story last night. She said that she mentioned to her young grandson that yesterday was the day when Jesus died. He looked at her and with a serious face said, "Already? He was just born!"
Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, Sunday mornings. No matter when we attend worship, the theme is a comforting one. Jesus. To a small child, Jesus may still seem like a newborn because we just celebrated His birth. For us grownups, we know that my friend's grandson will be learning many things about Jesus as he grows up...and he will learn that the road between birth and crucifixion was quite a journey. Thirty three years or so, but oh the amazing ministry.
On this day, the in between day when we consider Jesus' death and anticipate the glory of Easter morning, may we all know and realize, that the best is yet to come.
For all of us who call on the name of the Lord, yes, the best is yet to come. Not just for Jesus, but for our lives as well.
Blessings,
Sue