Death and Resurrection - Easter Reflection

Easter - the Christian high point on the Church calendar. This year, Easter was extra special with the death of Barb Cherry. It was on Good Friday that Barb passed away. She left the arms of her husband Kent and into the arms of Jesus Christ. This truth was radically displayed during the Easter weekend and the funeral on Tuesday. While death brings temporary separation and grief, Jesus brings life and celebration. Celebration it was at the funeral on Monday with colorful balloons released at her gravesite. This celebration in the midst of grief is caused by the radical One we know as Jesus. In John 11:25, Jesus tells those at the tomb of Lazarus and we who stand by gravesite, that "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies." This is why we can be comforted by Psalm 23 :4 - "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me..." Some great truths are presented in that short line. We'll all pass through the valley of death. Doesn't matter who you are. We all face death. It's this reality that should force us to contemplate how we spend our time and our priorities in life. Just think another second just went by. Another second closer to death. This isn't meant to be morbid, but a reality check to make sure each and everyone one of us lives for Jesus. Then it the verse talks about the "shadow of death." In Jesus we only experience the shadow of death. Death, that final enemy defeated by Jesus, doesn't have a full impact on those who love Him. Just think in these terms... Would you rather be hit by a truck or the shadow of the truck? In Jesus we get hit only with the shadow! Psalm 23:4 also tells us that God is with us. Our hands can be joined with His as this life continues on into another realm. Wow, doesn't that just give you goosebumps!! In the meantime, the verse also tells the loved ones left behind by this momentary separation have to walk through the valley of death. That's why it's so important that we pray for the Cherry family and continue to meet with and encourage them. It's so human nature to want to stay in the valley. Yet we can help them walk through their grief and pass through this rough terrain. Take a moment and reflect on what Jesus did and is doing for you because of Easter. May you live a life of resurrection. These are the days my friend!!
Jim "Train"