Easter Sunday Reflections 2009

He was there the whole time...

Two very confused disciples were walking along the road to go to another city, about 7 miles from Jerusalem. As they talked to one another, trying to make sense of all the recent events, a stranger came and walked alongside them. This stranger appeared to be out of the loop when it came to recent events: Hope that the Redeemer had come, His crucifixion, and now His missing body... none of it made sense. This stranger, however, didn't have to know what had happened. But he knew what the scriptures had said about it, and as they walked along the road, he explained why this should be of no surprise. The two men listened and when they got to their destination, they invited the stranger to stay with them that night. It was getting dark and the stranger wouldn't be able to go much further along his way. So he stayed with them, sat down to eat with them, and when he blessed and broke the bread, the two men suddenly recognized him. He was Jesus! He was there the whole time. (Luke 24:13-35)

I don't know how many times I have felt confused and puzzled about what has been going on --especially over the last year or so. There are still so many unanswered questions, and what will happen next is a complete mystery (to me, at least). It is hard to deal with the unknown. But one thing I know, God has always been there. Even though at times I have been unable to see Him, just as those two disciples didn't, He has walked with -- even carried -- me. He has patiently and lovingly reminded me of the truth in God's word, providing hope and comfort. He has been there the whole time, just as He promised.

"And life is worth the living just because He lives"
- Because He lives, by Bill Gaither