The Rest of the Story

On February 28th of this year, one of my favorite radio broadcasters passed away- Paul Harvey. Harvey was known for catch phrases he used at the beginning of his programs, such as "Hello Americans, I'm Paul Harvey. You know what the news is, in a minute, you're going to hear ... the rest of the story." When he'd tell a story, he'd say, "This day's news of most lasting significance." His quirkiness made the stories he shared quite intriguing. He had such a way of sharing news .

THE most amazing news story of lasting significance ever unfolds as we approach the Easter season each year.

I love Easter! I think I love it even more than Christmas! There’s something about the “rest of the story” that just makes it worth celebrating. I can think of no greater reason to celebrate! As a child, I have fond memories of going shopping for an Easter dress, receiving a chocolate bunny, going on Easter Egg hunts, having a great big meal with the family, and hearing the choir sing, “He Lives!” Those truly are some wonderful memories I treasure. Even today as an adult and a pastor’s wife, there’s much activity going on in our homes and churches during this season. Yet, just like Christmas and the “hoopla” that tends to come with that season, it’s very easy to miss the real reason to celebrate Easter. Sometimes, I’m afraid we anticipate more of the ending...the benefits -time with family, good food, Easter plays or cantatas, Spring Break, our traditions, etc.- instead of Christ Himself. Christ alone. His sacrifice. I even venture to wonder- do we anticipate more of the benefits than simply celebrating the resurrection?….

Even sadder, we tend to fast forward through the whole “Good Friday” remembrance. Why? It’s just easier to jump to the end. Who wants to dwell too long on the pain and suffering of Christ, when we already know the ending? I can’t help but think today about the disciples and followers of Christ on that day. They were told what would come-that Christ would be raised from the dead, but did not KNOW it. Their faith was so weak. Much like ours. It sure did not look so promising to see what was happening to their Savior…to OUR Savior. I bet if they could talk to us today, they would demand that we stop and think about the cross a whole lot more. After all, they were eyewitnesses to a horrific scene that we only see depicted in pictures- a man on a clean cross with a crown of thorns and a few drops of blood. I would even venture to guess that they might scream at us to remember such a precious sacred act. They watched something that they did not understand. We understand, and choose not to watch. Christ’s blood was poured out, and in a more thorough study of the Bible, we know it was quite more than a few drops. It was gruesome….probably the worst “crime scene” ever to this day. Except….. that He willingly surrendered His life. He knew the pain and suffering that was coming and chose to endure it for a greater plan and purpose. For us.
Romans 5:6-8 says, “Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn't, and doesn't, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn't been so weak, we wouldn't have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.” (The Message)
The NIV versions says, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
That truth should bring us to our knees daily. That truth should cause us to stop and reflect on the cross instead of quickly jump over to the Resurrection. Without the cross, there is no resurrection. “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.” (Heb. 9:22)

You know, sometimes discovering a surprise too soon makes it not so much a surprise. It’s already been revealed. I’m grateful that “the rest of the story” has been revealed to us today, but let’s not skip the journey to get there. We miss the beauty of it all. We might also miss a humbleness of heart, a gratitude for our salvation, and a deeper love for Christ. We are unworthy of such a redemption! It is only by walking to the cross that we can find forgiveness and peace. Yet, the suffering and death necessary was accomplished by Christ in our place. May we meet Him there in the days ahead.

When Paul Harvey would share a story about someone, he would often end it with, “He would want us to mention his name.” Sometimes, it was a silly story, sometimes offensive, sometimes ridiculous. The story of the cross is a true story about a man, who suffered and died in your place when you did not deserve it and before you would ever believe it. He would want us to mention His Name. Jesus Christ.

Then, and only then, in 3 days can we say……..”Good day.”