I decided to buy Easter flowers for my Mom this year, even though we have not spoken for almost 15 years. She used to tell us, "I want flowers while I'm alive! If you put them on my grave, I'll come back as a fly on the wall and haunt you." I remember her favorite colors, and some of the songs she loved. In years past, during an Easter morning service, while we sang, 'In the Garden', if I closed my eyes, somewhere off in the distance I could hear her soft soprano voice, singing, "And He walks with me,,,and He talks with me......" Because we are still "under house arrest "because of COVID-19, I'll probably set them across the table from where I'll be sitting.
Easter is a joyful time for Christians to celebrate the "empty tomb". But I am also reminded this year there will be so many "empty chairs" at the dining room table [because of COVID-19]. Easter morning will be bitter sweet for some of us.
The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee saw the tomb, and how Jesus's body was placed there. When they went back with their spices for his body, they saw the stone was rolled away. When they entered, His body was not there. While they were wondering where He was, two men "in clothes that gleamed like lightning" (Luke 24:4, NIV) said to them; "remember he told you while still in Galilee:"The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again"(Luke 24:7, NIV)? 'Jesus opened their minds so they could understand scripture;"This is what is written; The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised: but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
This scripture takes on a new meaning for me this year. This virus is worldwide. And on the third day (Easter) repentance and forgiveness of sins.... I'm repenting, and asking His forgiveness of my sins.
Jesus death on the cross was a slow, horrifically painful death His suffering was unimaginable. He was humiliated and betrayed. But as He hung on the cross between two criminals, Jesus said, "Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing"(Luke23:34). One of the criminals insulted Jesus, but the other said,"don't you fear God?...We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong" (Luke 23:39-41, NIV). Then the man said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Luke 23:42, NIV). Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise"(Luke 23:43, NIV).
My mom used to tell me, "I hope I die in my sleep." My Mom got her wish. On September 13, 2005, she fell asleep, took her last breath, and woke in Jesus arms.
I decided to buy Easter flowers for my Mom this year, even though we have not spoken for almost 15 years. She used to tell us, "I want flowers while I'm alive! If you put them on my grave, I'll come back as a fly on the wall and haunt you." I remember her favorite colors, and some of the songs she loved. In years past, during an Easter morning service, while we sang, 'In the Garden', if I closed my eyes, somewhere off in the distance I could hear her soft soprano voice, singing, "And He walks with me,,,and He talks with me......" Because we are still "under house arrest "because of COVID-19, I'll probably set them across the table from where I'll be sitting.
