Black Saturday.  The day after Christ died.  Because we know the ending, this day becomes the preparation for Easter.  A day for the celebration of spring.

But long ago, to the disciples and those close followers of Jesus, this had to have been the longest day ever.  Although Jesus foretold his Resurrection, did they really understand?  At this point, they were also probably in hiding and fearful that harm would come to them as well.  They had not yet experienced the end of the redemption story.

The word “redeem” has many meanings.  Perhaps the most powerful connotation is the word “recovery.” The very idea of the wrong being made right again.  That is certainly what happened when Jesus triumphed over the cross by rising triumphantly from the grave.

But what about our lives today?  As I look back at the life lived since last year, loss has been a factor for many that I care about.  Watching, I have felt helpless as to how to support.  Really I want to fix it – I want to make it better and make it all go away.  But ultimate redemption is not promised today or even tomorrow. Until heaven, sometimes we have to endure. And that is hard.

Recently our elementary children’s Sunday school studied Job.  After reading through all of his troubles and questions and doubts, discouragement can easily result.  Yet there is one verse that is almost in the middle of Job that should encourage us all.

“I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth.” Job 19:25

At this point, Job does not realize that his life would be made right again.  Like the disciples centuries later, he was at His darkest point.  All seemed to be lost.  Yet Job’s verse summarized the concept that we all need to grasp.  In the end, for those who have a personal relationship with God, all will be made right again.  If this concept seems elusive to you, please contact me.  I will do my best to explain the truth of God.

Christy Nockels’ “Song of the Beautiful” highlights the truth that we all need to remember this Easter week-end.  Jesus loves us.  We may not feel His love.  But His love is there.  He demonstrated that love long ago.  He shows us today.  Even in the midst of unimaginable suffering and pain, He can redeem.  He can restore.  And someday He will.

“The Song of the Beautiful” by Christy Nockels