Proclaiming the hope of Easter
Good Friday. Tonight we will gather in our church, along with churches all over the world, to be reminded of the cross of Jesus, the sacrifice of love, and the hope we can have even in the dark places of our lives.
One of the most important battles ever fought was on June 8, 1815, in Belgium, at a place called Waterloo. The English, the Austrians and the Persians joined together to defeat a military genius, who was a madman by the name of Napoleon. If Napoleon could defeat England then he would have all of Europe, and France would be victorious.
So the battle raged on and on, and all of England waited for word that would come out of Belgium. There were no radios, no phones. A ship would flash a message from them to the Winchester Cathedral and then on to another spot, and they would signal to England.
On the final day the ship got as close as they could to the battle and as the signal came back, England wondered who was winning the war as it was getting near the end. And just as they flashed part of the signal, one of those dense fogs set in that England is so famous for. Just as they flashed the message “Wellington defeated”, but they couldn’t make out the rest of it, due to the fog. So, they went to bed that night convinced of defeat and wondering how soon it would be until the army of France would march into the English streets. But, early the next morning the fog lifted and they could read the whole message, “Wellington defeated the enemy at Waterloo.”
On that Galilean hillside, Jesus was crucified and the fog was there on Good Friday. However, the message was clear on Sunday morning; Jesus Christ defeated the enemy at Calvary!
You might be living in the fog, but that doesn’t make the message not true. You don’t feel like there is any hope? Maybe you have been looking in the wrong places. Even Jesus’ disciple Thomas doubted, but he kept seeking until he found the truth. How long has it been since you opened yourself up to something bigger than yourself?
Churches all over Bonner County this weekend will be proclaiming the hope of Easter. God did not create you to live a life that is defeated. He sent His son Jesus Christ so that you might have life abundantly. Come to church this weekend and be reminded that Easter is about finding your purpose in life, connecting with the God who wants to walk in this life with you, and experiencing a life filled with hope.
Chad Wilks is in his 26th year as senior pastor at Sandpoint Church of the Nazarene.