Thursday, April 05, 2007

Just Wait! Mid Week Epistole by Jim Massey

Just Wait!

Have you ever felt like your life was in a state of suspension? You don't know what to do because you feel as though your world has ceased to exist? That must have been the feelings of many in Jerusalem the day after the crucifixion of Jesus. The day before three men hung on crosses together, was the height of amazement and curiosity for everyone gathered on Golgotha.

Two of these were thieves and some people said their punishment was justified. One of them mocked and hurled insults at Jesus saying "Are you not the Messiah? Then save yourself and us!"

The other thief said, "Have you no reverence for God. You have been sentenced to the same punishment as He has been, and we with justice, for we are getting what we deserve for our misdeeds, but He has committed no crime. Jesus," he said, "remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

And then Jesus replied: "Very certainly you will be in Paradise with me today." Can you imagine speaking of Paradise while hanging from a cross? That must truly have been hell on earth!

There were so many questions during the hours that followed. Questions that were of the earthly realm: "Where do we bury the body? Who will be responsible? What now of the disciples who were called the faithful followers? Where did many of them disappear to? Now, what do we do?"

Those are questions we would all be asking if we were there, but God's answer to all of them is the same that was given then: "Wait, Something glorious is about to happen!"

Father, at times in our lives we feel as though no one has control of this world. It is running away with all the things that we would call sacred and we cannot stop the maddening pace with which it is happening. Help us to realize even in the times when we feel lost; You are in control of Your Kingdom. Evil will never win because you have proven that even the most horrible of man's evil schemes will be defeated by the power and love of God. Let us remain in prayer and meditation until the glory of Your Resurrection Day surrounds us with the light of Thy salvation. Then we shall rise and rejoice in the glorious power of Your Risen Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

I pray that you will go to God's House this coming Easter Day to celebrate the Glorious Resurrection of His Son! May His love shine in your heart this day.
Grace and Peace

Jim Massey