In The Middle



Today we are in the middle.
Yesterday was Good Friday -
the pain of suffering,
despair, heartache,
the event that left us full of tears

Tomorrow is Easter -
the joy of new life,
resurrection,
rising from the ashes of pain

Today we are just in the middle-
the preparing for tomorrow's feast,
tomorrow's worship,
tomorrow's new garments


Do you ever feel - in the middle? Having survived tragedy or loss, but still waiting for the future hope and peace that is promised? We must wait, but not as those with no hope. It was while Jesus was waiting that He set the captives free.

When I was in Israel, one of the most powerful moments for me was at the Garden Tomb. I entered the empty tomb, and after my eyes adjusted to the darkness, saw the white garments folded on the stone bench. Turning to exit the tomb and enter the light, I saw a rough, wooden sign that read:
"He is not here;
he has risen,
just as he said."
Matt. 28:6

Seeing those words in that place was a powerful reminder that He has risen - JUST AS HE SAID! What else did He say?


We have been healed:
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”-1 Peter 2:24

We have a future:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

So we must:
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." - Titus 1:2
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:2-3

Today, while still in the middle, this is my prayer for you:
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13

May you have a most blessed Resurrection Day! May you rejoice with Him who rose from the dead to give you eternal life, who endured the darkness to bring us with Him into the light. And may you be preparing for the ultimate feast, worship and garments yet to come!!




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5 comments:

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Amen! Beautiful post, Susan.

Happy Resurrection Day,
Susan :)

Mary K said...

Dear Susan,

Thank you for reminding me of God's message of love and peace through our faith in Jesus.
Wishing you and your family a Happy Easter.

Love,

Mary

North Jersey Christian Writers Group said...

Thanks Susan and Mary,
Wishing you both a wonderful Resurrection Day and a beautiful new year with our risen Lord.
Susan

Rhonda Schrock said...

I love the picture of the empty grave clothes. Just beautiful and packed with meaning!

Waving and smiling,

Rhonda

Anonymous said...

Susan,
I was so inspired by that painting of the empty tomb and the Holy Spirit. Who's the artist? I'd love to purchase a large size of that for my home.