Isaiah 26:19 Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy!
The illusion of security and stability can easily be shattered. This happens in singular moments of loss or death, and sometimes, in corporate moments of world crisis. Those who put their trust in any hope this world offers will be disappointed. Our hope, however, is in the One who has overcome. He does not disappoint.
“Count it all joy when you face various trials!” (James 1:2) Perhaps we are encouraged to rejoice in the face of distress because these moments remind us that He is our true hope. Easter Sunday may not have felt exuberant as we celebrated in isolation, but hopefully we can come out of this trial with a sharper focus. We can rejoice without a band, a choir, or even a music director! We can celebrate in isolation! Perhaps, during this CoVid-19 induced separation, we have inched closer to the significance of that historical event that is central to Christianity.
The celebration of His resurrection is one-part remembrance and a trillion parts hopeful expectation. One day the catalyst of His resurrection will set off an explosion beyond comprehension – as people from all times and all nations arise! In that moment, He will obliterate injustice, isolation, pain, and disease. As we stand upon the rock of His faithful promise, may our hearts be filled with joyful hope! For now, in faith, we celebrate a moment that will consume sickness, sorrow, and even time. “Your dead shall live; their bodies will rise. We will awake and sing for joy!”