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
1 Peter 3:15-16
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an
answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that
you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear
conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior
in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
April 21, 2021 surprised us with about two inches of snow. When
Tim told me to look out the window and see the surprise, I had mixed feelings.
I love snow, but I adore the beauty of spring. Now the plants that thrived with
green wore white coats, and crystal crowns. I hadn’t covered my plants, yet my
lovely lavender tulip survived the unexpected chill, as did the columbine. Many
of the flowers who peaked from the ground could endure the weather, because
their roots dug deep and their stems had soaked in sun. God created spring
flowers with durability, for all kinds of weather.
The unexpected snow made me wonder how prepared I am. 1
Peter says to be ready to give an answer for my faith, and Matthew 24:42-44 says
to prepare my heart for Jesus second coming.
When I’m traveling, I fill up my fuel tank and pack a bag of
snacks. Both prepare me for the trip. But how do I ready myself for the time
someone asks me about Jesus and my faith? I fill my heart and mind with the
wisdom of Jesus and the scripture. I eat the words of the Bible in order to
fill my spiritual tank and increase my understanding of God and grace.
Even as I prepare for the unexpected, what about the
expected. I know Jesus will return to this earth to take his children home,
even though I don’t know the day or hour. Even in not knowing the time, I know
he’s coming. I want to have my heart ready. The hope I have in God and the
promise of eternal life bolster me as his words feed me.
I may not know when Jesus will return. I may not be on this
earth any longer, regardless, my heart and soul need to be ready for that
glorious day.
Be ready for the unexpected and the expected. Jesus is
coming again.
Luke 24:36-39
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and
said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened,
thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled,
and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is
I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you
see I have.”
The disciples grieved Jesus’ death.
The apostles, Mary Magdalene, Jesus’ mother Mary, and
several other followers watched their Lord and Savior die an agonizing death on
the cross. I can’t imagine the heartbreak, especially for his mom. Jesus’ best friends and family witnessed his
torture and his final breath. Even as they mourned, their faith in their Lord
did not waver.
In their hearts they tucked the promise of Jesus’ return.
What they didn’t realize was how soon they’d see him again.
Joseph of Arimathea, took Jesus body to an empty tomb he’d
prepared for himself. After the body was wrapped in cloth, he placed him inside,
then he rolled a stone in front of the opening. After the Sabbath day passed, Mary
Magdalene and the other Mary went to the grave to pour spices over their beloved
friend. An earthquake shook them and an angel appeared propped on the rock he’d
rolled from the tomb. Then the women received the surprise of their lives—Jesus
stood in front of them and greeted them.
Can you imagine?
Jesus keeps his promises. He told his followers he’d raise
from the dead, come back to life, and see them again. Yet, they didn’t
understand. Kind of like us. The Bible teaches us of Jesus return, his second
coming, that will occur so quickly none of us will be expecting him. But Jesus
keeps his promises, and he will come here to take his children home to heaven.
Easter is all about HOPE!
