Easter 2007

Easter 2007 “And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.”
-- Jesus Christ

Dear Members and Friends,

As I sit down to compose this missive, barring the unforeseen, my son Billy is facing heart surgery in two days. By his direct request, we have not, until now, given this a wide broadcast, yet we are aware that the Lord Who is always with us knows the stakes that are involved.

For the sake of context, Billy is essentially a calm individual in crisis who did not deem it worthy to inform me when he was almost killed in Tanzania. Apparently, his view is that almost is not nearly as significant as actually was, so why bother with a long distance phone call. Hmmm…

Personally, I have made my feelings known to God, searching for complete success, expressing the desire that the professionals involved will bring their A-game to the table, and lastly, seeking after God’s will, knowing full well that this most wonderful thing to have is not always an easy dynamic to accept. We pray, not to change God’s disposition, but to feel His presence. We are hopeful, not for God to adapt His plans, but for His purpose to further mold our personalities to whatever comes to pass, knowing that if Jesus endured a Cross, we might have to as well.

The beauty of what lies ahead is that it promises to be a final answer to an enduring situation that has recently made a rather frightening resurgence. Thus, we have been afforded a glimpse of Easter even before we have walked the path of Good Friday. Yet, at this juncture, we cannot say whether the Day that we yearn for is the one which will, in reality, come to pass. Nevertheless, I am totally convinced that when the moment arrives, whatever its appearance, the Lord will be there, with the hope and the peace that only He can provide.

Personally, I have been at ministry just long enough to know that challenges afflict the faithful and unfaithful alike. Five minutes in the pastorate is sufficient to gain such wisdom. However, I am also keenly aware, and have experienced, that even the worst circumstances set upon the shoulders of our family and friends can also open up the best opportunity to more fully appreciate the life and loved ones we may take for granted.

Bad times are often a catalyst for really Good News, revealing the crucial difference between the things that our faith does not guarantee, and the blessings that are eternally assured. This is the story that unfolds in the Bible during Holy Week, and it is the truth that emerges in our discipleship in a broken world. As a clergyman, I am acutely aware that I do not have an “in” with the Father. What I rely on is the fact that the Father, in the Son, has an interest in me. When the road gets rough, or the pathway uncertain, I am certain that I do not have an edge, only a Savior. Truth be told, a Savior is not what I have always sought. But a Savior is what I have undeniably needed. Thanks be to God that in all times and seasons, the Savior Who has always been present, has also been more than enough.

Godspeed,

From Reverend William J. Keane, Senior Minister of First Baptist Church of Branford