Free At Last

 

In one of his books, Paul Scherer describes that eventful day on the Island of Jamaica when those in slavery were emancipated.  Men, women and children spent the night before it was to occur in excited preparation and anticipation.  While it was still dark they began moving by twos and threes out of their dwellings  into the village lanes, on through the plains, gathering people as they went, until it was a multitude who climbed in the darkness of the early morning hours up to the highest peak.  As the first faint streaks of dawn began to appear on the horizon, a murmur spread like a wave and grew louder as the light became brighter.  Then a shout went up as the sun rose fully and everyone began to sing and throw their arms around each other shouting, “Free!  Free!  Praise God!  We are free at last!”

 

That is the cry of Easter.  “Alleluia!  Praise God!  We are free at last!”  In the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God liberates us from our worldly despair.  Like Mary Magdalene on that first Easter morning we may be wandering among the tombs, captive of our fear, consumed with grief or guilt, burdened with the hopeless feeling that life is against us.  Then Easter!  Mary Magdalene weeping at the tomb hears her name called, and in a moment of recognition she realizes that although the world may try to kill God’s love, the world cannot keep it dead and buried forever.  God’s reigns!  Free at last!

 

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Will