Our world is upside-down, and I think I’m getting a little slap-happy being stuck at home most of the time. For instance, a commercial came on TV the other evening. The announcer said something about a “… Lindt chocolate bunny…”

Brent: “I bought two of those.”

Me: “Uh-oh! You didn’t leave them together, did you?!”

Brent: >blank look<

Me: “Wait, that could actually work out better… they’ll make more chocolate!”

Brent (gently pats my head): “Your braid is too tight.”

Yep, we can sit around watching TV and there’s chocolate in the house. We can go outside, take care of the lawn and flower beds, and ride our bikes. We can go buy groceries when we need them. Obviously, sheltering in place isn’t giving us too much trouble.

But our hearts go out to those who are ill, grieving, or under serious hardship.

People need hope.

As near as I can figure, that could account for the higher-than-usual interest in Easter this year. This pandemic puts us face-to-face with our own mortality like never before. The COVID-19 virus is killing people, not just in the US, but all over the world. As we wonder “Who’s next?” it’s natural to ask, “What’s next?” 

Looking back to the first century, we see the nation of Israel turned upside down, facing all kinds of hardship and restrictions. Kind of like our situation, except this was because of Roman oppression rather than a disease.

Along came Jesus, teaching people how very much our Creator loves everyone and wants to free us. His followers expected him to free Israel from the Romans, but he was more interested in freeing individuals from their own twisted human nature.

He came to give his life for every one of ours. And he did, on a Roman cross. Ah, but then he burst from the grave, defeating death once for all. He offers abundant life on earth and a future in glory to anyone who will trust in him.

While our 21st-century world is upside down, let’s all observe the safety guidelines, both for our own sake and for others’. But also remember the one who overcame death itself. He promises to be with us through any hardship, and cares about everything you’re dealing with.

Even if it’s just that your braid is too tight.

Thanks for reading,

Jan