An Easter reflection by guest contributor Valerie Morse
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:3-4)
As I watch the news these days, this verse has gone over and over again in my mind. What is it about us Lord, that you love so much? How are you so patient with us? Why do you care? It truly is unfathomable.
How do we comprehend the heart of God? We stand back in amazement. We look at the cross, and we are without words…speechless, as we gaze in wonder. Why, Lord?
Though there is turmoil all about us, when we stand at the foot of the cross…that instrument of torture, we feel a hope envelope us, that we do not comprehend.
I had read of a visit that Mr. Graham had had with the then Chancellor of Germany, Konrad Adenauer. He thought that the Chancellor would not be interested in talking about God or religion, but to his surprise, Adenauer opened the conversation by asking Mr. Graham what he thought the most important thing in the world was, and then, not waiting for an answer, went on to say that the most important thing was the resurrection of Jesus Christ, further adding that the resurrection of Jesus was the only hope for the future of mankind. Without that event, he did not see the slightest glimmer of hope on the horizon.
Did the followers of Jesus see any glimmer of hope on the horizon, as the One they had loved and followed for three years was now dead and buried? There was such a hopelessness…until that morning three days later. Hope was reborn, as they remembered the words Jesus had spoken to them.
“Behold, I am with you always…” (Matthew 28:20); “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you: not as the world gives, give I to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’” (John 14:27); “In a little while the world will see me no more, but you will see me; and because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19)
Being in the midst of a pandemic, while now having the horrors of war before our eyes on a daily basis, peace is not what people are feeling…and yet, mankind is longing for it. The hope of peace is on everyone’s mind.
Is there a glimmer of hope on our horizon? Like the disciples of Jesus, who had despaired at his death, we can now join with them, as we stand at that empty tomb. The hope and peace that has been yearned for throughout the ages washes over each of us as we join in the chorus, “Hallelujah! He is risen!”
Happy Easter, everyone!!!
