A Time of Uncertainty

Outwardly, more than any time in recent memory, we are living in a period of uncertainty. Questions being asked include: “How many people will become ill or even die as the result of COVID-19?” Or “Will I lose my job and what will be the economic impact of the shutdown?” You undoubtedly have questions of your own.

Now think back with me 2000 years to the first Holy Week. We are followers of Jesus, but he has just been arrested and handed over to the authorities. Within a few short hours, Jesus will be tried, convicted and then sentenced to death on the cross. Although Jesus had warned us that these things were going to occur, either we did not understand or were willfully ignorant and therefore we were completely unprepared for the events that were unfolding. We would not recall his words until after all these things had taken place.

Some of us ran and hid while others observed from a distance. To say that we were in shock would be an understatement. Jesus had embodied all our hopes and dreams, but now they were violently crushed as he was nailed to the cross and crucified for all to see.

In recent times someone said of these events: “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming!” It’s one thing to look back in retrospect as we commemorate Good Friday, knowing that the Resurrection is a historical fact and quite another thing to be one of those first followers of Jesus who did not really know what was going to happen next. We can imagine what kind of questions they were asking among themselves.

There is no mention in Scripture of what transpired between late Friday afternoon and Sunday morning, but it was a time of uncertainty accompanied by fears and doubts. It is easy to believe that the followers of Jesus felt isolated and alone, probably fearing for their own safety. Those 36 hours must have seemed like an eternity.

As Resurrection Sunday unfolded, the women first discovered the empty tomb and then 2 men appeared to them in shining clothing asking them: “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” At this point, we read: “Then they remembered his words.” Luke 24:8. Their sorrow was replaced by joy and their fears were exchanged for excitement and anticipation. Jesus is alive!

So, as we face things today, let the miracle of the resurrection fill our hearts with confidence that nothing is too difficult for our God. “Yes, God raised Jesus to life! And since God’s Spirit of Resurrection lives in you, he will also raise your dying body to life by the same Spirit that breathes life into you!” Romans 8:11 (TPT)

This is still a time of uncertainty, but for us as followers of Christ, the Resurrection is the ultimate game-changer. Outwardly, we face the same difficulties and challenges that are common to everyone and yet we can have a peace and an assurance because of the Spirit life within us. “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because he lives all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future, my life is worth the living, just because He lives.”

“He is risen!” “He is risen indeed!”