I sit here at dawn writing this, looking out my study into the woods that so often bring solace to my soul. This morning they are gray and foggy, dripping with rain. There is nothing glorious about this morning’s sunrise. Today is the first of what is forecasted to be three days of rain. We have already received almost ten inches this month, and there is another six inches coming. I have seen the floodwaters, I have been in homes where a thief has invaded our security, coming one drop, one trickle at a time.

Today is Monday of Holy Week. Yesterday’s Palm Sunday stood in such sharp contrast. What a marvelous, bright, life affirming day of spring. It was New England spring at it’s best. Our worship service at First Baptist Church of Arlington was a time of joy as we praised God and relived Jesus‘ entry into Jerusalem. Our souls were uplifted by the glorious music, with harp, viola, organ and human voices combining to lead us into a sense of God’s presence. We even heard and responded to the call to join Jesus‘ parade. And let’s face it, waving palm branches while marching around the sanctuary was fun!

But now the rain and the coming flood. That is a little like it was that first Holy Week. From the triumph of Palm Sunday to the trials, betrayal, abandonment, and crucifixion. Jesus went through it, aware in his foreknowledge of what was to happen, recoiling in human fear, yet determined in godly resolve to carry out his divine purpose of redemption. Jesus went to the cross to save us from the floods of sin that ravish the human soul and the broken world in which we live.

But the Son did shine on Easter!

In his resurrection, Jesus Christ brought a new dimension of life and light into being. In Christ’s resurrection, the storms of life become bearable because of the flood of peace that he brings. In Christ’s resurrection, the thief’s awful destruction is restored with eternal security. In Christ, there is the promise of light and life that grows more grand with each passing day.

I do not want to over promise. We must still walk through the muddy waters of earthly existence. But we do not walk alone. We have a Savior who is Risen! We have an eternal home promised. We have his instructions: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6: 19-20)

May your hearts be bathed and warmed in the sunlight of God’s love this Easter.

Blessings,
Pastor Jon