As Easter rapidly approaches, believers everywhere are aware that it's going to look very different this year. Like many other churches, our plans for Easter services this year have either gone out the window or are very much changed.
At present we are in lockdown; two thousand years ago, Jesus' disciples also experienced a type of [voluntary] lockdown.
When the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you (John 20:19, KJV).
Yesterday as I was talking with a friend on the phone, I reminded her of this incident. As Christians preparing to spend Easter in lockdown, we have been presented with a unique opportunity to reflect on, and gain a new perspective, on the crucifixion and resurrection.
Rather than just going through the motions because we've heard the story so many times before, such an exercise can be valuable in that it forces us to look at this period in history from fresh eyes: to feel something of what the disciples experienced back then - their fear, their anguish, their grief. Because we know the "after", we sometimes don't allow ourselves to think too deeply and to grieve. Grieve for what they did to our Lord. Grieve for what He endured. Grieve because it was my sin that nailed Him to that cross.
There is another benefit to celebrating Easter in lockdown. No longer are we complacent or reliant on our own strength. We look around at what is happening in the world and we can feel overwhelmed. It seems that our world is spiraling out of control, we see fear governing emotions and actions, and it can be so difficult to come to terms with all of the upheaval.
This is where it is so important to consider the whole story of Easter and to remember exactly what happened two thousand years ago in the physical and the spiritual realms.
Jesus broke the chains of sin and death and hell and darkness and nothing that is happening nowadays has changed that. Satan has not reclaimed the victory - quite the contrary - despite what may at first appear to be the case.
Jesus fought the battle and won. The victory is His. Nothing can change that. Not world events, not a lockdown, not fears of a recession, and definitely not COVID-19.
As we celebrate this Easter in our isolation bubbles, we can remember that like the disciples two thousand years ago, we may be feeling fearful, but we need not be afraid, for Jesus, who was crucified, rose again, and the battle is His. This Easter we can celebrate for He has conquered sin and death. He has won.
Hallelujah!
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