Not The End
40 They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42 And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. (John 19:40-42)
We have the benefit of journeying through Holy Week knowing that Resurrection is coming. As we read, watch, or reenact the brutality of the cross, the horror and heartbreak are at least slightly diminished by the knowledge that death didn't win. Even as we imagine Jesus' dearest standing at the foot of the cross, the mid-day sky darkening and the unbelievable tragedy taking root in their hearts, we know that's not the end. We know an ecstatic Mary will be running to tell the good news of an empty tomb to the other disciples. We hold in tension life, death, and the life that can only come after death.
How, then, can we ever justify hopelessness? What excuse do we have for complacency? God has already overcome death, so there is nothing we can face that will be too hard for God. There is nothing we will go through that Jesus won't walk with us. The very breath in our lungs is evidence of God's grace, protection and provision. We can be encouraged to face every hardship with hope, and combat every fear with faith. No matter how dark the day may seem, Resurrection is always coming. He is risen indeed!
5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. 6 But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you." (Mark 16:5-7)
