“And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature and upholds all things by the word of His power.” (Hebrews 1:3a NASB)
The Maundy Thursday service at our church was ending and as the congregation departed silently, so did we in the choir. For the church was going into mourning - the next day was Good Friday – the traditional day of the Savior’s death.
After hanging up our robes in the side room as we left I noticed across the hall was a closed door that bore a placard. It read: “Please do not enter. Lilies are blooming for Easter.”
And on Sunday morning they had - lining the altar rail their white bell blossoms flaring open! Then I realized - that the lilies were shut up in that dark room so that their closed blossoms could gradually come open. The symbolism was evident - the darkened room spoke of death, yet the unseen lilies were preparing to flare open at the right time and place.
Just as with the first Easter! Jesus’ disciples brooded in melancholy and fear as behind the scenes, God worked out his plans for the blessed brightness of the resurrection. Then at the right time the effulgence of “the radiance of His glory” would shine forth for all to see. After all, without the darkness of death there would be not be the resurrection’s light.
There had to be gloom before there could be glory.
Father, help us remember that behind and beyond the gloomy times your glory is always ready to shine forth at the right time. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Anne Adams, Texas
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Gloom Into Glory
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