John 20:19-21 (NIV)
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After He said this, He showed them His hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
Every great author knows a good story or movie needs a climax near the end, often an epic battle or a conflict so great that it looks like all is lost. Do you remember learning about that in English class at school? I find it interested that all great stories follow this formula. We know it’s coming and yet we still line up at the movie theatres and pay money to watch these stories play out. We crave seeing that victory after the battle. We were made for it. If the battle hasn’t been won then we know it’s not over yet!
One of my favourite movies is Avatar. Near the end it looks like all is lost for Jake Sully; the Na’vi excommunicated him, Pandora is being destroyed and in his face off with Colonel Quaritch he is about to breathe his last breath. A wave of sadness came over me as I saw him struggle for air. When I saw the movie for the first time I didn’t know how it was going to end and I had my doubts that it would end well.
It reminds me of how the disciples must have felt in those days between watching Christ die and seeing Him rise to life again. They were scared. They thought all they had poured their lives into over the past three years had been lost. I’m sure some of them even doubted their belief in who Jesus is.
They had no idea that they were getting front row seats to the greatest redemption story in human history, written by the Greatest Author in the universe. Like a seed dies in the ground, they were about to witness death leading to life.
This Easter I want to encourage you that when it seems like the battle is lost, hold on. It’s not over yet. God is faithful and He can be trusted. We were built for great stories. The greatest battles lead to the greatest victories, and the greatest stories written by The Greatest Author.
COMMENT BELOW: What is your favourite part of the Easter story?