April 7thEaster Resurrection Reflection
On this mountain [the Lord Almighty] will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken. In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” (Isaiah 25:7-9 NIV)
Resurrection can be a touchy topic these days. Between the continued historical, scientific, and theological pursuits, many continue to ponder: Was Jesus truly raised to life, and if so, what are the implications? A quick browse through social media can reveal just how prominent this question of resurrection is for people wrestling with this story of the supposed God-Person.
In many ways, though, it’s not just a touchy topic for today. Long before biblical criticism and modern science, questions surrounding Jesus’ resurrection have been pondered, going all the way back to the biblical stories themselves. From Mary Magdalene to Thomas to the early church in Acts, Jesus’ resurrection has been a major source of deliberation, and the corollary question has always been: Do you believe?
While the New Testament continues to be paramount here, it has been the Old that has been a fountain for my own walk; even though any Old Testament professor will tell you resurrection is not pervasive in the Old Testament. The more I read it, however, the more it becomes evident to me that the witness of God’s people, time and time again, has been that the person and work of God brings life, and even death itself cannot overcome.
So this Easter, in the midst of a pandemic that has brought death upon millions of human lives and upon the structures our society, as I cling to the witness of my forebears that my God brings life, I know I am in good company. And I trust that, as our God is at work to swallow up death forever, even today we can look up from our tears, see Jesus in front of us and cry, “Rabboni, surely you are our God; we have trusted you, and you have saved us. Let us rejoice and be glad in salvation.”
Justin Sun
Youth Pastor
Peace Mennonite Church &
Richmond Peace Chinese Mennonite Church
Richmond, BC