Last November I wrote about the frustration of climbing Ben Nevis last summer and seeing only cloud from the summit. In January this year, at the top of one of Madeira’s main mountains we stood above the clouds in sunshine. Below us the cotton wool effect obscured the view but above the cloud there was an almost ethereal feel to the air. This view can be reached by road whereas the Scottish experience requires some considerable effort.
There is an irony in realising that of the two experiences, the best outcome was achieved by the least effort.
A week ago we were in the midst of the poignancy of Holy Week with all its spiritual challenges. Today we stand in the sunshine with the clouds behind and below us. There is irony in realising that our freedom from the battle with sin and death has been achieved entirely without any effort of our own. What Jesus bought with the price of his own life he gives to us freely if we are prepared to trust him.
When I was young, I was taught that if people are being petty and squabbling over trivialities, the best option is, metaphorically, to rise above the situation and not be dragged in and down.
Easter’s joy, in part, is the joy of rising above the grit of life to feel the ethereal view of an assured future which is there because God has brought it about. We cannot spoil that future if we rise above the world with Jesus, as he told us we could do.
Hallelujah! Chris is Risen.
A Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, you have risen from the dead and you are Lord. We praise you and we thank you for all you have won for us. Give us grace to rise above life’s clouds of pain, worry and sin to know the truth of your kingdom, here and hereafter. Amen.