“They saw a young man dressed in a white robe...” Mark 16:5
It is not always easy to imagine the end of a situation when you are in the
thick of it. It takes a lot of strength and maturity to alter our perspective
especially during difficult seasons. Yet, we know that at the end of every
winter season comes spring. We also know that at the end of spring, comes
summer. Year in, year out, these seasons change. It may be dry season to
wet season – whatever climate you are in, there are some consistent
recurrences.
Now, I hope you can be reminded particularly during hard times, that there
was a man who lost his linen cloth and ran away naked when Jesus was
being arrested to be crucified, Mark 14:51-52, this man ran in fear, he ran for
his survival, he ran in shame – leaving behind his clothing, anything to not
be caught up in Jesus’ plight.
There is also a man mentioned 2 chapters later when life as they knew it was
over and a new dawn had begun. Jesus has risen. This man was present at
Jesus’ tomb dressed in white sitting on the right side, Mark 16:5.
This young man was not running, neither was he losing his clothing. There
was calm, it felt like he was anchored, assured of his place by Jesus’ tomb,
full of confidence, full of hope.
The first man was fleeing in fear, the second man sitting in confidence and
hope – Like changing seasons, this is how what Jesus did show up for us –
we are flailing and panicking, He comes, covers, holds, loves us and we can
show up clothed in clean white, restored, anchored, confident, hopeful by
the grace and mercy of God. Remember this is your inheritance too.
Prayer
God of new beginnings, hold my unfinished story with your strong, caring
hands. Lead me away from fear and towards hope and confidence in you
one day at a time in Jesus’ name. Amen
