We have this tendency as Christians to absorb the shock of tragedy and then, without missing a beat, rear our heads and say, “BUT”–God is good. There is hope. I’m better for it now.
But sometimes it doesn’t get better. And sometimes it’s not good.
And it’s as inappropriate as wearing white to a funeral.
Grieving is okay. Sackcloth is okay. Pain is allowed. It is even merited.
And yes, redemption can break through the tomb like it did two thousand years ago. But have you ever wondered why Jesus was in the grave for three days? Do you think His resurrection would have been as powerful if He’d popped back out, fully healed and alive, after 5 minutes?
Sometimes the resurrection isn’t in view yet. And we just have to sit in our sorrow and keep our eyes open.
There’s a difference between redemption and a teachable moment. We have this incredible hope in Christ, and sometimes it’s hard to resist the urge to shout it out. But I hope in my living and storytelling I will treat redemption reverently, without making it cheap, without making it premature.
Your thoughts?
