The In-Between

            Today is the day “in-between” Good Friday and Easter.  After Jesus’ death on the cross it was a time of uncertainty and fear for those who followed Christ. There was probably a measure of disappointment mixed in.  What  happened to the man who claimed to be the son of God? The Messiah wouldn’t die, would he?

            So the disciples were hiding out, huddled together wondering if they were next. We know Jesus’ death was the topic of conversation based on what we learn from the two men on the road to Emmaus. Even when Jesus’ female followers discovered the empty tomb, the disciples were in disbelief. Peter had to run to the tomb to see for himself and according to Luke 24:12, went away wondering to himself what had happened.  Peter was still living in the “in-between.” He had not grasped the concept of Jesus’ resurrection yet.

            Even on this side of the cross, many of us still live in the “in-between.” Through Jesus’ death and resurrection we have the power to claim a new life, not a life filled with darkness and anxiety, but many of us still don’t live victoriously.  Fear consumes us, angst eats us up and worry keeps us awake at night. We believe in the resurrection but we don’t live resurrected lives.

            When Jesus appeared to the disciples after he rose again, his first words were, Peace be with you. Through this statement, we know Jesus understood  the disciples weren’t feeling peace during the “in-between” and he was letting them know the reason he rose again was to bring them peace and hope in the midst of their turmoil.

            We all have this future hope and power to step out of the “in-between.” In Philippians 4:4-7, the Apostle Paul exhorts us to:

            Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

            Paul is saying we shouldn’t live like Jesus is still in the tomb.  He is near! Through prayer, we trust God will take care of those things that keeps us in the “in-between” and we step out into a life of post-resurrection peace and rejoicing.  Paul told us twice to rejoice.  The Greek word for rejoice means “to be glad or to be delighted.” It’s difficult to find delight when we live in the “in-between” isn’t it?

For some of us, I know life presents daily hardships.  There may be sickness, difficult people in our lives or financial issues that bring us down. However, through Jesus’ resurrection, we can break out of the “in-between.” It’s a choice to grasp the hand of peace that Jesus offers us on this side of the cross.