After Easter

Unfortunately, my devotional reading last week is true- “we live in a world confined to the second law of thermodynamics which dictates that everything is going from a state of order to disorder.” (Once and for All,” Journey, April 2012)

This was realized just as I returned from a great time away at the beach with girlfriends- the coffee maker was yet again giving an error message instead of a cup of freshly brewed coffee proving our efforts at descaling and needle cleaning unsuccessful.  The washing machine followed suit and quit again- in the middle of the rinse cycle, full of water with my clothes locked inside. But this time the power died, and there was nothing to do but pry the lid apart, hand wring the clothes, and determine which was the better part of wisdom- paying for a repair that is more than 1/2 the cost of the machine or purchasing a new one. Appliances are not what they used to be- this is an understatement.

Daily order to disorder . . . it’s the way of this world– we all experience it. The aggravation and frustration is real.

But even heavier reminders filled the week with chaos and disorder. A sacred, treasured cathedral, considered timeless by many, destroyed by fire. And the unthinkable impact of terror on Easter worshippers and tourists in Sri Lanka- a painful reminder of the ugly consequences of sin and evil. Fear threatens to paralyze us in a world that seems to be spiraling out of control.

Human nature longs for things to be right, and we strive for that. Jennie Allen brings this struggle to light in week six of Proven. Examining John 11 when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, she says,

“Who in their right mind chooses pain and suffering? In fact, underlying most decisions we make on an everyday basis is a deep desire to avoid pain and suffering . . . We don’t want to get sick. We don’t want to feel alone. We don’t want to be hungry. We don’t even want to eat bad food.” (Proven, 112-113) And I would add to that- or even be inconvenienced. We want to be in control so that things run smoothly;  we want to avoid discomfort, risk, and suffering.

In John 11 we are challenged by Jesus to take a different view.  Jennie writes,

“Jesus takes everyone in the John 11 story deep into the dark grave of pain and suffering. He doesn’t stop the death of a dearly loved friend, and He doesn’t spare those He loves days of agonizing grief and suffering. He could have prevented this entire ordeal, yet He allows it to unfold . . . For our faith and for His glory.” (John 11:4,14)

Jesus allowed the pain and grief because he wanted the people involved to believe- in Him- that He is the resurrection and the life. “He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26) Beyond healing and fixing- His authority reigns over life, death, and the grave- this was the greater glory he wanted them to believe.

The question continues to surface in the gospel of John- Do you believe? Will you believe? Translated into other words we know as well- Do you trust, have confidence and faith in the truth of me? That I am from the Father. That I will deliver you safely to Him- if you believe.

And I’m left with a challenge-

In my constant striving for an ordered, safe life, albeit in a disordered, chaotic world, am I pushing away and trying to avoid the very things that God wants to use to reveal a greater glory of Himself?   Jennie challenged with some pointed questions,

Am I afraid He isn’t good enough, powerful enough, or loving enough-

To meet me in the dark places of struggle and pain and disappointment- where His love and light burn brightest? (Proven, 109)

All the while Easter is fresh, and along with it the reminder of the good news that sets Christianity apart from every other religion- My God is alive- He has risen! His is the power to give and sustain life. His power conquers death. His kingdom is now, and He has been pleased to give it to me.

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke12:32

In the midst of the disorder and chaos, I want to live in hope and confidence and peace- as a kingdom dweller.

Jesus is challenging my perspective-

It’s my crisis of belief that needs an adjustment. Will I surrender my need to control this life to the one who After Easter is in control of all!

And yes, lest I be remiss in counting my blessings, I am thanking God today for an old, not-so-automatic coffee maker that still brews a pretty good cup of coffee, and I’m grateful that one of the kids left it behind.  I’m also enjoying the provision of a new washing machine that to date has not locked my clothes inside a tub of water.