life goes on

The whole notion of commemorating Easter is to celebrate a two-pronged fact: that death has been defeated and that life wins. All because of a particular individual who proved that he was not just some dead Jew hanging from a tree one Friday afternoon. In what can be known as history's biggest turn-of-events, God took the absurd notion (some say "folly") of dying in order that each individual might have life - not just life on this mortal coil, but a life that never ends.

Each New Testament writer works hard at processing and fully grasping the implications of the ressurection. Luke in particular sees it as the fulfillment of Jewish promise. He quotes a psalm in Acts 2:27 to show how the circumstances surrounding Jesus do fit with the messianic hope set forth in the Old Testament. This hymnic line states the fullness of hope for those who trust in the Lord. The psalmist trusted that his inner fellowship with the divine would not be broken - even by death.

Resurrection itself means that this promise is now passed along to all who believe. Psalm 16 is now read in light of Jesus, whose relationship with the Father was not severed by death. As God's beloved we will not remain in death. Death will no longer have the last word for those who put their trust in him. This is what Paul spoke of repeatedly by referring to firstfruits and death leading to life.

Remembering the work of Christ - his death and resurrection - brings new hope and promise to the world. During bleak and seemingly hopeless situations we see that God is constantly at work to bring about life. This is seen in spring, where creation breaks through the cold and comes alive again. Just like the warm breath of Aslan began to break the spell of the White Witch in Narnia, so too are the cold chains of death being broken by the warmth of God's love.

In the end we must hold fast to this promise and assurance, no matter how difficult it becomes. We are cast down as fools by the world for holding to such things. . .even though it is the same foolishness that confounded so many of the wise. Even when death and despair has made a significant blow we know that (because of a tomb that couldn't complete the job) life goes on.