April 18, 2021
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11 You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12 so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever. – Psalm 30:11-12
I’m sure we have all heard the verse before, that the Lord will change our morning into dancing, and in this same psalm, we also find the great promise that “though sorrow may last for the night, joy comes in the morning.” Yet, in the context of Eastertide and those who were the first witnesses to the resurrection, I believe there is more that we can learn of this great truth.
The disciples had experienced the trauma of the cross, were living is disbelief and fear. Their fear was now for their own lives, and if anyone had accused them of being disciples of Jesus, in that moment, they could have met the same fate. However, when Jesus appears to them, in the upper room, and again by the seashore, we find that their disbelief gives way to so much joy that they are now prepared to go on living.
Jesus will tell them that they must stay in Jerusalem, though it might be difficult to remain hidden there, they believe in their risen Lord, and they remain as Jesus has commanded. Jesus says, that someday soon they will receive power from on high, the counselor will come to them. We know that the disciples still are living with a bit of fear, even after seeing their risen Lord. Even knowing that he is risen, is only the start of the joy that leads us to live forward.
There is more that must come beyond just the resurrection. The belief that Jesus died and rose again is the beginning of faith, but there is so much more, and as we wait on the Lord, as he did command his disciples, we will find that joy that truly moves our souls to sing and praise and not keep silent. The disciples waited the 50 days till Pentecost, to receive the Spirit of life that showed them the abundant life now. We may not have to wait as long, though we may have waited, but the joy of the Lord is at our fingertips as we trust in his mercy and grace, and lean on his understanding and guidance. Our mourning can be turned into dancing, as we allow the Holy Spirit of God to move in us, and lead us to better live and love in the name of Christ our Lord.
Grace & Peace,
Sam