Easter

The Easter story is one of terrible suffering, but also one of triumphant grace. For Jesus’ followers, the shattering of their dreams – so brutally wrought upon the bruised and broken body of the man they thought would be their Saviour – left their world an empty and uncertain place. The Gospels recount how they huddled, terrified, while Jesus lay entombed. But the night is always darkest before the dawn.

The people of God have, throughout history, endured times of great trial and tribulation. Today is no exception, although today it is believers from the cradle of Christianity, where the Apostle Paul’s ministry bore so much fruit, who are bearing the greatest burden; where the early church once flourished it is now under threat. Hundreds of thousands of believers have been forced to flee and many have been called upon to pay the ultimate price for their faith.

In recent times, the word “martyr” has been claimed by Islamic extremists for those who die committing acts of violence for self-serving aims: the prospect of immediate and certain entry into paradise followed by eternal pleasure. But for believers, to die for Jesus’ sake is not a guarantee of eternal glory, for that is already promised to all who are in Christ. Rather, it is the earlier fulfillment of a pre-destined purpose: “to live in Christ, to die is gain”, wrote Paul in his letter to the Philippians. While death in his life is a cause of great sorrow and grief – especially for those whose loves ones have been violently taken from them – the stories of those left behind, some of which are mentioned in this article, speak of hope and grace and love, in the midst of tears.

Across the world, Christians are suffering for their faith. Some are displaced, refugees, or facing the threat of death because they have chosen to hold fast to a sure and certain hope. Their faithful perseverance through great trial is both a profound challenge and powerful proof of the Apostle John’s wonderful words: “greater is he who is in you than in the world” (1 John 4:4).

As we witness their suffering, it is right that we are moved to compassion and to help them in their plight. It is what we, as brothers and sisters in Christ, are called to do: “when one part [of the body] suffers, every part suffers with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26).

But it is easy for us to be weighed down by the violent darkness we see around. As Jesus’ disciples tried to console each other after the crucifixion, they seem to have forgotten is a promise of resurrection – even though it was Jesus’ statement that He would rise again that prompted the Jewish religious leaders to demand that Pilate station guards around the tomb. Indeed, when the women first told the disciples of the resurrection, the Scriptures record that most did not believe it was, or could be true.

As we prayerfully consider together the period leading up to Easter, we do so remembering the suffering and the hope brought about by Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. As the mourning of Friday turns to the Joy of Sunday; the darkness of night to the resurrection dawn, w can stand with believers around the world, firm in the knowledge so eloquently phrased by the old hymn: “Whatever my lot, Thou hast thought me to say, It is well, It is well, with my soul.”