Not again.  Some days I look ahead with what I call Covid hope.  I have a sense that things are well on their way to being better.  But then, something pulls a cloud over this hope I am experiencing.  Three people I know are back to 14 days of isolation.  Another person I know is waiting for a call from Public Health as discernment is needed regarding a Covid19 connection. Sigh. 

I see a large prickly unwanted weed and I see a bright green tulip leaf poking up from the barren ground in the garden. I find that this image speaks to my present-day experience. Sorrow and joy meet. The weed speaks of the challenge and the fresh green leaf speaks of the flourishing of new life that is on its way.

When we think of Jesus, and the Easter story, we are told that “for the joy set before him he endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). Joy and endurance are words that create a strong contrast. In the company of the Father Jesus endured the extreme of sorrow for the full extent of joy.  We see the depth of the weeds of darkness but more triumphantly the new life that came that would be joy not only for Jesus but “the joy of the whole earth” (Psalm 48:2).  Our salvation was his joy! It was the Psalmist, who said that joy would come from Zion. Jesus came from Zion, and he continues to fill the world with everlasting joy.

Have you ever tried to pull up a thistle with your bare hands?  Many times, I have attempted that, and the outcome never changes. I experience the same result every time.  It hurts. Usually there are a few thistly pieces caught in my skin. In the same way I cannot, with my own strength, pull up sorrow and root it out.  Little is accomplished through my own efforts.  I am thankful that the one who endured deep agony to give joy is by my side.  He helps us to endure.  We walk with the One who has endured all things.  He was given the name Emmanuel – God with us!

The prophet Isaiah said, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love” (Zephaniah 3:17).

What sustained Christ in the dark hours of Gethsemane was the hope of joy beyond the cross. More than hope beyond Covid19 we cling to our hope found in Jesus today. May his joy be our strength. Together we put on a “garment of praise” to replace a “spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:3).  Let’s fix our eyes on the Giver of New Life as we see green breaking forth from the earth today!

77: Fairest Lord Jesus

1. Fairest Lord Jesus,
Ruler of all nature,
O Thou of God and man the Son;
Thee will I cherish,
Thee will I honor,
Thou my soul's glory, joy and crown.

2. Fair are the meadows,
Fairer the woodlands,
Robed in the flow'ring bloom of spring;
Jesus is fairer,
Jesus is purer,
Who makes the woeful heart to sing.

3. Fair is the sunshine,
Fairer the moonlight,
And all the twinkling starry host;
Jesus shines brighter,
Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels Heaven can boast.

4. Beautiful Savior,
Lord of the nations,
Son of God and Son of Man,
Glory and honor,
Praise, adoration,
Now and forevermore be Thine.

Jesus, you burst forth from the grave and new life became the joy that spread throughout the world, to every nation. Thank you. We recognize sorrow that continues to accompany many today. I think of  __________.  Lord, bring to their souls the joy that you birthed through your agonizing death. You understand our way. Be our strength to endure, in your joy, today.  AMEN.