The Promise and Puctuality of Easter
Resurrection Sunday reminds me that God is not only a promise keeper but is perfectly punctual in His sovereign timeline over history and my own story.
Keeping a promise years ago may have looked like a pinky swear when we were little girls or even keeping a secret told to us on the middle school playground. Today, my three-year-old daughter promises me on a nightly basis that she will stay in bed after I put her down… but I know better! Her promise-making is on point, but she has not yet perfected her promise-keeping skills!
As a woman who follows Christ, I must place unwavering trust in my promise-keeping God –the same God who raised Jesus from the dead and conquered sin and death once and for all on Easter Sunday.
Back in the book of Joshua, as a sign of sorrow and distress, Joshua tore his clothes over a defeated battle because of Israel’s sin. Clothing back then was not as easily attainable as it is today. Clothes were meant to last a long time and were carefully cared for as precious items. The Israelites couldn’t just run out to Target and buy a new garment.
Although it was not the final battle, Joshua still needed to be reminded of God’s promise that Israel would indeed win over the Promised Land. God invites us to grieve our losses and defeats as well. However, although we may feel defeated in our battles, God promises us He has won the war. Indeed, Easter Sunday reflects that promised victory! (Maybe a Target run is now appropriate as a celebration?)
Not only does Easter Sunday remind me of God’s faithfulness, but He is also never late. Did you catch that? NEVER. It only took all of Biblical history to lead us to His arrival and although it seems like the wait was never-ending, Jesus arrives exactly on time as planned.
While the disciples didn’t fully understand when Jesus told them He’d return after death… there He was out of the grave! His timing is always perfect and for our best. I know I can trust His timeline in my own story too. Although waiting can be difficult, God is perfectly punctual as displayed on Easter Sunday.
The folded burial linen at the tomb that was folded separately from the other burial garments in the book of John is very significant in the Easter story. It was understood in Jewish tradition, that when a master would get up from the table, his servant would know he was done eating if he left his napkin unfolded.
If the master left the table and the napkin was folded, the servant knew he would be returning. In Jesus’ resurrection, there is solid hope that His perfect timing can be trusted. We can be assured that His second return will be perfectly punctual as well.
Easter reminds me that Jesus is who He says He is, and that I must take seriously the invitation to trust Him fully with my life. Trust His promises and His timing. He desires that my faith roots grow strong and run deep. Jesus is worth the dedication of my whole existence, not just the areas that I choose.
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
About the Author: Kelly R. Baum is an author, wife, and mother from northern New Jersey. Her first books “Gracefully CHIC: A Boutique Bible Guide” and “The Chic Mindset Journal” are available on Amazon. Her dream in writing these books is for there to be a reignited zeal for Scripture within women everywhere. She inspires her readers to find remarkable beauty in God’s design, both within His story and within themselves. Connect and learn more about her work and future projects on social media: Instagram and Facebook @KellyRBaum
