paravanes:meditations

Me: "Why did I"? "I wish I had not..." "What was I thinking?" "I was such a fool to have..." Jesus: "Regretful  and repentant? Let's begin again today,  here,  and now." "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life," -- Jesus Christ, in the Gospel of John, 8:12.

                Photo: Deborah Evans (c) 2019 He is risen. Death is definitely defeated. He still has work to do .He will not leave his followers unprepared for the work he assigns. Love never leaves the loved one unprepared. The barrier is broken, from top to bottom. Receive the Holy Spirit. Death is defeated. Live like life never ends because, in Jesus, it doesn't. When Jesus speaks, lean in and listen.

As  21st century believers in Jesus Christ, we have an advantage those first followers did not have on this day we call Holy Saturday. Those apostles were certain life as they'd known and hoped for was over forever. Somehow, the miracle worker who raised the dead was himself dead. He died a torturous death by crucifixion and most of his disciples had been justifiably certain this would be their fate as well. They spent the day and night in hiding. Fortunately for us, we know from the scriptures and from our experience how the story ended. Jesus' return from death guarantees we don't cease to exist when our spirits leave our bodies. Resurrection is for all of Jesus' true followers. The lesson of Holy Saturday can be found in the words of the beloved hymn, "Be Still My Soul":  "all now mysterious shall be bright at last. " This is the comfort that never ends, regardless of time, space, and circumstance. Amen, and thank you Lord Jesus.

Photo by Deborah Evans (c) 2019 "It is finished." No more barriers between God and people. Ask and listen and trust and obey. No, God is not angry with you. God invites you away from destructive behaviors and thoughts otherwise known as "sin." God loves you enough to provide a safe way to escape the pain that has cursed humanity from the earliest of days. You are not compelled to choose God's ways, but the option is open. When Jesus said "It is finished", he was affirming the completion of his earthly work as the debt payer for our sin and shortcomings, Believers are empowered to live out God's dreams for us . All of this goodness happens after a night of betrayal and a day of pain, tears, clouds, earthquakes, and death. Jesus, the Unstoppable Savior and Redeemer, works in the meanest places to bring us hope and light and life. He reaches out to you. Will you reach back to him?

Betrayal. Abandonment. Rejection. Loneliness. Pain. When Jesus invited someone to discipleship, he said "Follow me." We may experience everything Jesus experienced on Maundy Thursday, but it doesn't end there. He came to give us the abundant life. If your life is mostly a series of painful experiences, ask Jesus what needs to be done. He understands. He's been there, but he didn't stay there. Follow him.

You cannot rely upon the praises or the critiques of those who speak from or with the crowds. The same crowds that cheered Jesus on Palm Sunday shouted out for his execution by crucifixion later that same week. Listen to those who listen to you, who know you, who are willing to stay with you through silence, through joy, through pain, and through the days and the nights of everyday living.