Getting the Jump on Easter

Scripture Verses that Caught my attention today: 2 Corinthians 7:5-7 For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted in every way—disputes without and fears within. 6 But God, who consoles the downcast, consoled us by the arrival of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was consoled about you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.

Observation: God provides consolation even (and perhaps especially) in times of affliction.

Application: Today we will celebrate Easter. Purists will note that Easter is tomorrow, not today. But we have a Saturday night service and so we will celebrate at 5:00 tonight and then again at 8:30 and 10:45 on Easter day. By noon all the white paraments will be out for display and a host of beautiful flowers will no doubt adorn the sanctuary. Whether for reasons practical and/or spiritual, we can’t wait! There is good news to be shared! Consolation to be offered! Those who are afflicted, in whatever way or in every way, have reason for hope. What appears to be the light at the end of the tunnel is actually the light from the empty tomb. It will not disappoint.

It should be pointed out that the hope of which I speak is no false or illusionary hope. It is not a hope that turns a blind eye toward the very real afflictions of body or soul. The One in whom we trust felt the spikes pierce his skin and be driven between or even through his bones. Each driving rep of the hammer signified the venomous nature of the crowd. As mother Mary looked on one can only imagine her own affliction…and the preponderance of a prophetic word come true; “And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”( cf. Luke 2:35).

Affliction is indeed very, very real. Jesus knew this. Mary knew this. We know know this.

But however real affliction may be, it is also temporary. Earlier in 2 Corinthians we read that “this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure” (cf. 4:17). Today we remember that this eternal weight of glory is able to make very light work of rolling back a very large stone! Today we remember that the help we so sorely needed has already arrived and, in fact, is coming back again!

Let the temporarily afflicted of this world find comfort and even rejoice at the hope that is set before them…and before us. May we be Titus to one another…a sign of what God has done and of what God is doing, even now.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we all need a little encouragement now and then. From the sound of things, the Apostle Paul was emotional mess at times as he tried to deal with “disputes without and fears within.” Most of the trials I face or have faced pale miserably in comparison, yet I too have experienced such feelings and situations. In each case you have sent modern-day equivalents to Titus. Sometimes you’ve even sent a whole host of Tituses. Affliction is temporary. The hope and promise of Easter is eternal. For that I give you thanks. In the name of the risen Jesus. Amen.

(Scripture Readings today included: 1 Samuel 1-2, Psalm 66, and 2 Corinthians 7)