Psalm 23:4 reminds us that Jesus’ light shines the brightest in the darkest times. Let me tell you of a time when Jesus’ brightness lit up a dreaded day in my life.
THIS ISN’T MY HOME
It was a drive to East Stroudsburg University to empty the apartment bedroom of my son, Ryan, after his death of leukemia. Pulling into the driveway, I was quickly caught off guard. I clearly heard Ryan’s voice say, “Mom, this isn’t my home.” I took a deep breath and walked inside. Dread filled the air like the smell of an old musty blanket taken out of storage. Ry’s bedroom was untouched with accumulated dust commemorating Ry’s absence.
My mind quickly switched from a grieving mom to a mom on a mission to box items as quickly as possible. Ry’s voice again resonated in my heart, “This is not my home.”
HOW ALONE I FELT
As the last boxes were placed in my pick-up truck, I went to turn the key in the ignition, but something made me stop. God was telling me to go back inside just in case I forgot one last piece of Ryan. As I ascended the old creaky staircase, I thought how alone I felt.
Is this how Mary felt, knowing her son was going to die on a cross. What crossed her mind when she saw her son struggling to carry his own cross to his execution?
THE SILVER GLIMMER SPARKLING
I opened the door to Ryan’s room. It was empty. But wait, wait…what was that? A lone ray of sunlight peeked through the dusty blind. I saw a silver glimmer sparkling in what felt like Ry’s empty tomb. A silver necklace hung from the closet doorknob. “How could I have missed that?” Yet here it was…a sign…a sign from God…a silver necklace with a cross engraved into it dangling from Ryan’s closet doorknob.
HIS KINGDOM IS NOT HERE
In the book of John, John uses Jesus’ trial and crucifixion to teach about Jesus’ power. Pilate asks Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” (John 18:33) Jesus doesn’t give a direct answer to Pilate. Jesus replies that his kingdom is “not from here.” (John 18:36).
NO MORE DEATH
What is His kingdom like? It is unimaginable. The world’s power and authority, money, or status have no standing in this kingdom. Christ’s kingdom comes from heaven, not earth, and it is far more splendorous. Can you imagine a place where “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. And there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4)? This verse is a promise of restoration that the old world will pass, and the new world holds the promise that our eternal home will be free from pain, suffering, anxiety, and fear.
The silver glimmer of the cross necklace… a reminder that this world is not our home. God offers to help us to trust in our darkest times. May our eyes be opened to the mysterious ways God reveals His promises to us. God, help us to see the silver glimmers shining brightly in this dark world.
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