April 2021...

Dear Friends,

What if the New Normal ... was Better?

“The New Normal” has become a common phrase during Covid-19. We all wondered how Covid would change our lives. I remember, early in the pandemic hearing a commentator speculate that Covid would end the hand-shake forever. Nothing is permanent: there’s always something new, normal or not.

The disciples accompanied Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and were caught up in the enthusiasm of the crowd. People stripped off their coats and laid them on the road for the donkey to walk over. That could leave a nasty stain on your new Go-to-Passover clothes. Don’t think those people were unaware of that possibility. They were so filled with hopeful expectations they did not want to restrain themselves. They shouted hosanna, and recognized Jesus as the awaited one.

Through the week, Jesus, taught in the Temple every day, and returned to the Mount of Olives each night. Hisenemiestriedtotriphimwithtrickquestions,butheansweredeveryonewith truth and wisdom. The disciples had to be ecstatic. Jesus was passing every test he faced. Something huge, life changing, was just around the corner.

And then Thursday night. Jesus said, “One of you will betray me,” “All of you will deny me.” He was arrested, and crucified. He died on a Roman cross. Stout hearted women followed his body to the borrowed tomb and watched as the stone was rolled into place in front of the door. That was life changing, but not at all what they expected...

Three dark days passed. Those same strong women went to the tomb. Again, it was not what they expected. Their question, “Who would move the stone” became “Where did you put my Jesus.” The stone was gone and the tomb was empty.

On that first resurrection Sunday, Jesus appeared to the women, Peter, Cleopas and his companion, all eleven remaining disciples, and others with the disciples whose names we don’t have. The Crucified was ALIVE!

Jesus IS alive! That is an entirely NEW Normal. Sin and death have been destroyed, the new birth is available, the Kingdom is wide open. Forgiveness is granted to all who believe in the name of Jesus. And all the forgiven receive the opportunity and power to live new lives, free of hatred, envy, lust, and greed, and free to love and serve, and embrace the peace and joy of Christ.

What if the New Normal was BETTER? It is in Jesus Christ! He is risen, indeed!

 ~ Pastor Byron

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