Note:
I spent Easter 2001 in Europe. Raymond was in a completely different
country due to medical issues. I
was depressed. This is the fresh
perspective the Lord gave me:
Not Home for Easter
“I
wasn’t home for Easter,” I whined to myself Easter evening. I knew that my extended family would be
gathering together at Mom’s that day…without me. Raymond was in Zagreb, Croatia…without me. All the churches in America were praising the Lord in
special services…without me. Even
though the kids and I had a nice day I still felt a bit down. I decided to take
a hot bath and feel sorry for myself.
That’s when I thought I heard the Lord say, “I wasn’t home for Easter [1]
either.”
What’s that again?
“I wasn’t home for Easter either.”
My
imagination began to ponder this, and I realized it was true. The Bible says that the women went to
the tomb very early in the morning while it was still dark [2]
and the tomb was empty. That means
that Jesus re-entered His glorified body just as the day was getting started.
“I
won’t be home for Easter,” I can hear Jesus saying to the angels. “I’ve got some unfinished business to
take care of.”
A
gasp of disbelief must have escaped the multitude of the heavenly host as they
cried, “But, but, You just got home!
We’ve missed You. Have You
forgotten what they did to You down there?”
I
don’t know if that conversation did or did not take place the night before
Easter. Theologians disagree on
where Jesus actually was during the time His body was in the tomb, and I’m no
theologian. I do know He told the
thief they would be together in paradise [3]
that day, so I’m inclined to think Jesus saw the Father and the heavenly host
at some point that weekend.
Can you imagine? After 33 years of being trapped in a
human body, trudging along dusty roads, getting thirsty, hungry and tired;
three years of dealing with doubters and people who only wanted what they could
get from Him; days of betrayal, denial, and intense suffering- He deserved a
rest, don’t you think? “It is
finished,” He had cried. [4] I’m sure those golden streets,
worshipping angels, and the presence of His Holy Father were a sight for sore
eyes. He was finally home. Home in the place where there is no
sickness, no sorrow, no pain, and no death. What possible reason could He have
for going back?
Was
it to teach them how to get along with each other? That was accomplished by His life.
Was
it to pay the price of sin and open the door of heaven? That was accomplished by His death, His
blood.
Was
it to show Satan Who was really in control? I believe Satan already knew that, why else would the demons
Jesus cast out beg Him not to torture them before their appointed time? [5]
I can picture Jesus turning toward the
angels and explaining with a tender voice, “I know Who I really am, and you
know who I really am, but my earthly friends are confused right now about
everything and need Me just a little longer. Peter needs to know He’s forgiven. [6] My mother needs to know Bethlehem
wasn’t just a dream. Mary
Magdalene needs to know those demons won’t bother her anymore. [7]
Lazarus needs to know that though he will die again, he will live again this
time forever. [8] They all need to know that the abundant
life I promised begins now [9];
they don’t have to wait until heaven.”
Perhaps he paused and with a twinkle in His eye continued, “If you think
Sarah was astounded with Isaac [10]
and Moses amazed with the Red Sea[11],
just wait. This will be my finest moment
yet. I can’t wait to see the looks
on their faces!”
I’m so glad He didn’t stay Home.
[1] I realize the
term “Easter” is not accurate here and throughout the rest of this article. I
use it, however, for want of a better term.
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