Dear Friends,
A kind member of our church loaned me a motoring book about Morris Minor cars. I will admit it was an excellent read. The information about a classic British car brought back memories of driving around first in a grey two-door Saloon and, secondly, a Traveller painted Trafalgar Blue ( could a car manufacturer have been any more patriotic than that! ). What really clinched the deal for my enjoyment of the book was the author’s background. The author – a certain Martin Wainwright – lives in Leeds and many of the areas he describes are delightfully familiar. Reading the book was like meeting someone for the first time, only to discover that paths have crossed many times before and there is an area of common ground which feels “safe territory”.
I think I can speak for most people when saying that we are grateful for safe territory. There is no harm in exploring fresh areas with challenges arising at every turn but sometimes we need a place to which we may return and re-charge ourselves. A little comforting and assuring can set us up for tasks that confront us. Just think how much better a person performs when they have had a much-needed break.
On Good Friday we are far from safe territory as we remind ourselves of Jesus’ cruel death on an instrument of torture. In our thoughts we may lump Christmas and Easter together as special times for the Church. Reality tells us they could not be further apart. We may spend Christmas listening to well-known accounts of angels and shepherds and a stable accompanied by carols which have been sung so well that the lyrics come naturally. But Easter is not the same. What may enter our emotions is not the same as at Christmas. Instead of warm sentiments there are harsh facts. From being a new-born baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, we have a corpse enveloped in a shroud. Going from the warm smell of hay and the soft noises of animals in a stable, we are hurled into the cold of a stark tomb. Yet, just as the nativity story moves on from Bethlehem so the crucifixion story moves on too. Out of the blackness comes Easter morning.
Women who went to the tomb were unable to anoint Jesus’ body. Of course! It was not there! Imagine how distraught they were when they discovered they were unable to perform one last action for their Lord. Hearts breaking with an inexpressible anguish, they sought an answer. And the answer was one which lifts our hearts just as it lifted theirs. “He is not here – he has been raised!” In an amazing event, Jesus had done what he promised.
When the horror of Good Friday brought overwhelming sadness and the next day left aching emptiness, Easter Sunday was such a welcome contrast. Disciples and friends were back in their “safe territory” with Jesus whose presence brought them immense strength. As they adjusted to being with him again, they accepted Jesus was able to do all things even to the point of vanquishing death and this gave them new skills. Those changes which took place within each of them were based on trust and when Jesus promised God’s Spirit was going to fill them they were ready and equipped for carrying the Gospel far and wide.
Easter will do the same for us. When we hear “he has been raised” we know absolutely that we are eternally in safe territory. What wonderful words they are! May this Easter refresh you, comfort you, bring fresh strength and a heart bursting with joy.
Your Minister and friend,
John.