Happy Easter

I recently cared for my friend's farm while she was on a much-needed vacation. Among her chickens is a very broody hen, who threatened very unpleasant happenings on anyone who messed with her. I admired her dedication until her first chick hatched. She then decided she was done sitting, and had to tend her chick. This left 8 eggs that still needed some loving care and warmth. Fortunately, there was an up and running incubator waiting for them.

I gathered up the eggs, and noticed one had a "pip" in it. The chick was hatching, and had made a small hole through the egg shell. As I moved it into the incubator, the chick was talking to me. Peep peep peep!! I was so excited, and felt vested in this egg more than the other 7. I carefully laid it down in the incubator, and hoped for the best.

Hatching is a long process, taking 24 hours or more. But after 6 hours, nothing more had happened, and my hopes were dashed. I was sure this chick, who had been so chatty earlier in the day, had died. I was really feeling crushed and disappointed. I left for the day, not expecting anything more to happen overnight.

The next morning, I went about my duties, and finally made it to the incubator. With some trepidation, I picked up the flashlight, and peered inside. To my delight and astonishment, the egg was broken, and the chick was alive! I was so happy and relieved. Little chatty chick had a tiny little beak, little feet and feathers, and there he was!!

Isn't that what Easter is all about? The disciples had seen Jesus die on the Cross, and their hopes were dashed. This loving Messiah, who did only good for the people, who healed the sick, who preached peace and the love of God, had died most cruelly on the Cross. That was it, then, no one comes back from the dead. The disciples left the tomb feeling confusion, heartbreak, and wrenching grief.

Yet when the disciples arrived at the tomb three days later, it was empty! How can that be? Where was Jesus? Then Mary Magdalene spoke to a man near the tomb.He called her "Mary", and she knew her Savior was alive! How her heart must have leapt, and been filled with joy at the news. Jesus offers us the same eternal life that death cannot keep in the grave. We will live on in Heaven with Our Savior and Lord. All that we have to do is ask Jesus into our hearts, and tell Him we need this promise of eternal life. He loves us with unconditional love, and desires greatly to bring all of us home with Him. Happy Easter!