North Texas Conference Cabinet Holy Week Devotional For Friday

“We are Easter People” by Rev. Dr. Ronald D. Henderson

John 18:1-19:42

Focus: We are Easter People

As I reflect on this text while sheltered in place, I cannot recall any previous event in my lifetime that has shaken the world like the COVID-19 pandemic that we are currently facing.

During the 1960s, I lived through the assassination of a president followed by the murders of several Civil Rights leaders and activists. To this day, an indelible stamp of the vivid horrors of that period remains with me. This was also during the time of what seemed to be the never-ending days of the Vietnam War, which was also a terrible time for Americans.

In more recent times, we witnessed the unimaginable tragedies of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. I can recall my own despair and the hopelessness of the global village during each of these crises. However, I’m grateful to not have forgotten these dire times.

When I meditate on these dark days, I see in my rear-view mirror just how our sovereign God triumphed over tragedy. Time does not permit me to further elaborate, but I hope you get the message.

The betrayal, mocked trial, crucifixion and death of Jesus were the framework of evil. Folklore tells that Good Friday was initially thought of as Black Friday, a day of dark tragedy. Today, we understand and know this day as the day Almighty God defeated evil and brought good out of tragedy.

COVID-19 is the latest crisis the world is witnessing; thus, it is the most vivid. What a crisis!

As we go through this crisis, may we not forget that our sovereign God offers HOPE, LOVE, PEACE and VICTORY.  Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes with the morning (Psalms 30:5). Like Jesus, we have a very dark night to face before the dawn of morning. We can face COVID-19, because we know that God will triumph over this devastating virus. How do we know? We know because we are an Easter People. As Easter People, we know that tragedy doesn’t have the last word. Sunday is coming!

Question for Reflection

• Are we Easter People? If so, let us remind the world of God’s unconditional love for all creation.

Prayer

Loving God, we are grateful to you that this pandemic does not have the last word and for knowing that troubles don’t last always. Amen

Rev. Dr. Ronald D. Henderson is superintendent of the North Central District.

Published: Friday, April 10, 2020