An Easter Reflection by guest contributor Valerie Morse
“I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me.” (Rev. 3:20)
I am amazed that the God of the universe will patiently knock and wait for a response from those whom he has created. He will not force his way in, but will patiently wait outside a person’s heart until they respond to his beckoning voice. We all hear it. It’s inescapable.
During this Easter season, we read accounts of the stone which was rolled away from the mouth of the tomb where Jesus had been laid to rest only three days earlier. Upon the request of the high priests and Pharisees, a command was given by Pilate to have a seal placed upon the stone, as well as a guard of soldiers to secure it. Quite a security system, except:
“There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone, and sat on it. His appearance was like lightening, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.” (Matthew 28:1-4)
After the crucifixion, the terrified apostles were in an upper room together, doors tightly locked, in an attempt to protect themselves from being discovered. They had been through a harrowing experience, watching their Lord being beaten and crucified. All hope seemed dashed…and suddenly, there was Jesus standing in their midst, saying, ‘Peace be with you.’ And how they needed his peace! These timid men, who had once locked themselves away in fear, would become men who would turn the world upside down with the preaching of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Whether armed guards, huge stones or locked doors – all were unable to hold or stop our Saviour. And yet…he stands at our heart’s door and knocks. Asks permission to enter. Unimaginable that the very Creator of the heavens and the earth knocks. But he does.
During this Easter season, as we reflect on the fact that Jesus truly died, that he truly rose from death, and is offering this same life after death to us, he goes on and beyond. The phrase ‘I will come in and eat with him and he with me’ shows a desire for a relationship that is personal…a friendship and a knowing of one another. The God of the universe desires a relationship with us…amazing! What a Saviour! What a reason to rejoice this Easter season!
Happy Easter, everyone!
