Bill Rusin, Interim Principal
During the time when slavery was seen as acceptable in the United States, there was a story about how enslaved people would encourage each other amid their often dreadful experiences as workers on the cotton farms. Carrying out backbreaking work each day, toiling in the stifling heat without much rest, one would call out, “It’s Friday”, and the others would answer, “But Sunday’s a commin’.”
Very few of these people had any chance of improving their lives. They would live and die in servitude, owned by another. Yet, in the midst of a time when life felt unbearable, this simple refrain reflected a future hope. “It’s Friday….But Sunday’s a commin’.”
Their words were recalling the terrible time in history when Jesus, the rightful King of the Universe, willingly humbled himself to the dreadful process of crucifixion at the hands of the Roman Empire. This macabre and brutal public execution was used by the Romans to maintain law and order. A deterrent to others who might dare challenge their might.
On that fateful Friday when Jesus was arrested, some of His followers would have watched the event unfold in a way that rocked their core belief in the man they believed was the Messiah. After all, as Jews, they were also under oppressive Roman rule. They hoped for a rescuer, a saviour, who would free them and their descendants from this heavy burden.
But on that Friday, all seemed lost. The one they had pinned all their hope on was dead.
Yet on the third day, Sunday, when some women went to anoint Jesus’ dead body, they were met by an empty tomb and an angelic being who said to them,
“Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. “
Matthew 28:5-6
Later, the risen resurrected Christ would make his presence known to those who followed him but had abandoned all hope.
The enslaved Americans knew this story well, and as they suffered, they reminded themselves that their Sunday was coming. Their oppression would end, and, as followers of the risen one, they would receive new resurrection bodies. Perfect, healthy, immune from the ravages of pain and suffering.
Was this a false hope? Multitudes of Christians throughout ages past and present would chorus a resounding “No!”
This is the great and sure hope. It is my hope.
It is the only sure hope we have. Suffering and pain are commonplace. This will continue until Jesus, the crucified and resurrected one, comes again. Those who place their faith in him can look forward to a world where everything is perfect—no more pain, suffering, or death!
May God bless you and your family this Easter as you reflect on and celebrate events that occurred so long ago and yet changed the world forever. May you look to Jesus for your hope and the hope of the world.
Join us on Tuesday, 8 April, for our Easter Celebration Assembly.