4-20-20<\/p>\n
The late pianist Anthony Burger used to tell a story about his son Austin, at five years old, in his church\u2019s Easter pageant. He was cast as Jesus, dressed in sandals and one of his dad\u2019s old T-shirts.<\/p>\n
The other kids in their little costumes beheld the empty cardboard tomb. The little girls acted sad, and when little Jesus appeared he told them not to be afraid, or to be sad. \u201cI died, but now I am alive! I will never leave you!\u201d Parents in the church audience were moved, and proud.<\/p>\n
All of a sudden, Austin ran back into the tomb \u2013 not<\/em> in the script! But right away he popped out and yelled, \u201cReady or not \u2013 here I come!!!\u201d<\/p>\n Somewhere between parents\u2019 embarrassment and the church\u2019s laughter we might find \u2013 \u201cout of the mouths of babes!\u201d \u2013 some decent theology.<\/p>\n Ready or not, Jesus did<\/em> leave that tomb. He conquered sin and death. He returned. To live among us.<\/p>\n He actually never did go back into that tomb. He just needed it for the weekend. He lives; He lives; Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with us and He talks with us, along life\u2019s narrow way\u2026<\/em> We sing it, but are we ready\u2026 or not?<\/p>\n Jesus was ready, but are we?<\/p>\n We have to be ready. When a Savior dies \u2013 for us; and lives \u2013 for us, we cannot be indifferent. Life on earth was never the same again, and when we meet the Incarnate Lord, the Risen Savior\u2026 we cannot be the same again. Ever.<\/p>\n If you are not changed, you need some serious time with Jesus\u2026 but with yourself too.<\/p>\n Maybe, make use of the self-isolation these days.<\/p>\n Jesus used His isolation to live again.<\/p>\n Let us use our isolation to be born again.<\/p>\n Ready? Or not?<\/p>\n + + +<\/p>\n