The power of lightning flashing and roaring thunder fascinate me. One morning while enjoying an early morning sleep a flash of lightning lit up the bedroom. I saw the flash with closed eyes. Suddenly thunder loud and long shook the house rattling the windows. It seemed to roll forever. An awesome way to start the morning.
I was carrying a friend to Montgomery when
a large thunderhead cloud covered Interstate 65. I smiled as a beautiful streak
of lightning lit up the southern sky. It was a stunning display of raw power.
My friend, from Baltimore City, Maryland, shook in fear. She was not used to
the violent thunderstorms of Alabama.
One of my history professors from the
University of Montevallo explained that the mentality of most Southern gentlemen
is like that of a thunderstorm. Long dry and hot days the earth stores the
energy of the sun. The energy builds and builds with each passing day. When a
cold front approaches, the earth releases the stored energy. The longer the
storage the more violent the storm. Dr. Fuller, the professor said that Southern
men are easy going until pushed too far, then they explode like a violent
thunderstorm.
The morning after the storm passes, the
Alabama sky is a clear and beautiful blue. The air is cooler and everything
turns green and starts to renew what was dry and almost dead. These things are
what makes Spring my favorite time of the year.
Lighting storms cause destruction too.
Power outages can last for days, and the impatience of power customers grows
exponentially. Winds, hail, and rain can wreak havoc on property. Storms can
ruin springtime events, like Resurrection Sunday.
Maudy Thursday and Good Friday remind us
of prelude of one of the greatest storms in history. As Jesus celebrated His
last supper with his disciples, sin began to manifest Satan’s evil plot.
Through the centuries before the Resurrection, evil battled God, and His
people. Everything imaginable confronted the men and women of God. The events
of
While those who loved the Lord wept with
hurt, mourned with regret, and cried in anger, the forces of darkness danced,
drank, and celebrated victory. Finally evil could do what they wanted and there
would be no accountability, no repercussions, and no judgment. The powers of
darkness with every unimaginable display of sinful prejudice, partying, and
pure filth celebrated. Satan and his legions of demonic prodigies had slain the
Incarnate, Eternal God.
As the storm raged from Friday night
through the events at Calvary, believers wept with the heartbreaking events
flooding their thoughts and being. Suddenly the Son flashed as lightning and
the thunder rolled, darkness scurried away, and evil cleared its throat, as
hearts ached, eyes cried, and hands trembled waiting for the break of day, Truth
broke the power of evil. Satan, his evil crew, and groupies faced the risen
Savior knowing their future was the eternal abyss.
The words of Matthew ring in our hearts and ears.
“And the angel answered and said unto the
women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is
not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And
go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold,
he goeth before you into
Until Resurrection morning, sin and
sickness dominated life robbing it of joy. Sin, sickness, and sadness are
realities of life until the Lord returns. One day Jesus is coming to take
believers out of this heartbreaking world of sin, sickness, and sadness. Until
He does, believers have the help of the Holy Spirit. Until He comes, believers
have the assurance and the prayers of other believers to help. Our salvation is
commitment to Christ and His Church. Because He lives we live in hope.
Resurrection Sunday is a great day for the
church. It is the largest day of attendance for most churches, but that is not
the reason for its greatness. It is great because it is the day we celebrate
the victory over death. For believers it is a reality every day.
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