Greg and I just got back from Good Friday service at our church. It was beautiful. Sometimes – whether by distractions or repetitions, I can MISS the glory and mystery of special days we Christ-followers celebrate, but not today. Thankfully, not today.
What touched me was a visual, a glimpse of what it must have been like for Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea to lay the body of Jesus in a tomb and walk away. HOPE of the world, lifeless and cold. How? - I thought of so many of us who have buried loved ones, long ago or, plenty of us recently … how our worlds radically change and futures seem lost, missing what was “supposed to be.” The picture was painful, tender, and yet knowing what I know (that resurrection was just days away), it filled with PRESENCE of a loving God and Father Who KNOWS our sorrow and confusion and the NEED we have of Him to enter in and BE our Everything. – I’m not doing a good job of describing my revelation, and it’s not profound to many, but for me today, something went deep.
“Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.” John 19:38-40 NIV
Maybe it’s partly about this long season we’ve all been in. Honestly. When I remembered it was time for yet another Easter letter, I couldn’t imagine what to share. All the common updates of family, kids, and now grandkids, seemed “out of place” somehow. Like, “how does one keep doing NORMAL” in this season of worldly tumult and personal stretching? Where is the “what was supposed to be?” And why did I think it was supposed to be that way? (Geez. – Maybe I need to sleep on this trajectory and start fresh tomorrow. ☹ )
Can you imagine what it must have felt like to awaken the day after for these secret followers of Jesus? The hours on end … life will never be the same, surreal thoughts of … nothingness? Because … what just happened?
In our humanity, we encounter these feelings. But for God of the Universe to subject Himself to lying on a hard slab in a dark cave. It’s hard to imagine, let alone embrace. – All this was tumbling about in my head. Certainly the crucifixion, but more so for me this year, what followed. Hmmmm.
And I wonder if today is a looooong Saturday for many believers on the planet. I don’t know about you, but I’ve talked to so many in my circles, near and far, who have been struggling to stay atop of circumstances and the world’s “noise,” to navigate loss and yet tread on. Many are bone weary.
But without HOPE? NOPE! – I am so bolstered by the hard testimonies that STILL give glory to Jesus, that still offer sacrificial praise on the hardest of days. The beautiful trust of modern day Hebrews 11:38 folks! – Ahhh LORD. Gives me pause right now and shines light in the darkness of today… Saturday.
I wish there was more recorded in the Bible about Joseph and Nicodemus – after their roles on Good Friday. No doubt they encountered the Risen Jesus and how WILD must THAT have been! How JOYFUL! How surreal on an entirely different scale!!!
Sooo. Is there a reasonable segue to, at least, provide a minimal 21-22 update? Perhaps that faithfulness to His Promises keeps me going. “I know Whom I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed to Him until that Day.” 2 Tim 1:12 – He died; He rose from the dead; He redeemed mankind, offered abundant life, and said He’s coming back someday. I believe Him!
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Greg has started working again. After about a two year hiatus, he’s plugged back in to his facilitation training although it’s all done remotely at this juncture. He misses the in-person, but understands this approach might be the new normal. Greg is also working at our church part-time, which is a nice convergence of his gifts and callings. He’s overseeing some ministry/leadership development as well as helping out in an executive role in this season. Has been on the worship team the past couple years also.
My life and routines are status quo. Still half-time at my Christian School, grandma-ing a couple times weekly, getting to the gym and staying involved in prayer ministry – on my own and corporately. I am thankful for my days orchestrated by Him because He knows me well. ☺
My poet son, Levi, was still working out the throes of Covid season in 2021 (and to date). I know his preference was to hit the road and perform, and he DID get to do a little of that in small venues around the country. He and his pup, Frank, actually got significant road-tripping in last year and looks like there’s a LOT more on the calendar this year! Hooray! - Even BEYOND the road, Levi has a sweet overseas date next month in Portugal. Excited for him and praying God multiples his writing investments from the past two “lockdown years.” I know there is good fruit to come!
Chad, Bree, Arlo, and Scout are going to welcome “Baby Ruther” – Arlo’s title for brother - arriving late June! We are so excited to add one more to the family. So much FUN and perspective come when little people are part of the equation. Yes, work too, but all worthwhile work! Both Arlo and Scout are in that talkative stage when you wanna have a microphone and recording device on their conversations. Chad and Bree continue walking out their business, challenged and persevering and light-shining. I’m proud of them too.
In August, Greg and I will be headed to CA for middle-daughter, Krista’s, wedding. We’re hoping it’ll be a chance to spend with all three of his girls as well as other family members. It’s been difficult to connect as often as we’d like and we’ll grab every opportunity! – On my side of the fam, I have TWO nephews marrying this year. Hope to make both weddings and double/triple the reunions! We’ll see.
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A Friday, Saturday, Sunday letter. Whew! But it’s all So Good right? HIS story. – A seed falling to the ground, burrowing there, sprouting/RISING to NEW LIFE! (John 12:24) There is no better truth, no story I’d rather be part of.
Family. Friends. I’ve prayed for so many of you this year; am still at it for some. My hope today is that you know Him and the power of His resurrection more intimately. That He might be your Hope and Joy.
He’s Forever Worthy.
Jody