The entire series of events of the first Easter are a whirlwind.
But as fast as things were unfolding in a wild whiplash way, Jesus remained resolute in his actions- even when He asked His Father if there was some other way to pay the price for all the sins humanity had committed, were committing, and that would ever be committed.
The law said a man could either be beaten or crucified, but not both. But both occurred. This meant that under either Roman or Jewish law, He was illegally tried, convicted, and sentenced. Savage is a word that comes to mind. Yet Jesus asks God to forgive the perpetrators (‘His mercy endures forever’). Then he breathed His last.
The first Sabbath after the death of Jesus was brutal in a different way for his disciples. Coming to the realization that he was gone and, along with him, all the expectations His followers had of Him. (That first Saturday is often called Black Saturday, which reminded me of the rock band who called themselves
Black Sabbath -some of their work is sinister too- and probably a better name for the day). But Jesus was not done. Not by a long shot.
Next comes another whirlwind of activity over 40 days, in which He lays out His plans for them individually and as a team. He helps them understand the magnificent magnitude of His Kingdom, and their role in establishing it and growing it. ‘So I send you’, He said to them, to go out into the whole world and teach them my story. And He encouraged them to press ahead fearlessly, because He would provide the Holy Spirit to direct and protect them. That was His mandate given directly to them, the lucky bunch. And that is His mandate to you and me (lucky bunch number two). We have been given the happy, fulfilling call to work for God. Life may seem like a whirlwind these days. But our God is resolute, He is purposeful. He wants us to help Him bring people to heaven. The mandate never gets old, it never gets boring. It never ends. How are you doing?
Happy Easter.
Deacon Greg O