Hidden Purpose & Resurrection Hope

Dear Zi On, my dear son!

This is the second time I wish you Blessed Easter in this special way-I let God carry my message to you.

Today 11 April 2009, I realized that I have reached the last day of Meditation for Lent this year. Today’s meditation is titled A Hidden Purpose, based on Mark 15:40-47. The Tenth Station of the Cross: Jesus is taken from the Cross. After the death of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus, openly and courageously requested Pilate for the body of Jesus. He gave Jesus a proper burial. God had chosen a man who was living a concealed life of discipleship to play a sacred role. Today I am encouraged to come to the Lord Jesus and ask Him to teach me to remain faithful in seasons of hiddenness. After you have gone, son, I realized even more than before that in life, in some parts of our journey, there is a hidden purpose. God may choose to reveal it to us one day!

Son, this afternoon I had the joy of singing with 3 girls at the Sunday School: I am so glad for Easter, Jesus is alive today, Jesus is my special friend, He still lives today.

Later I told them the story of crucifixion. Although they are small, age 5 to 7, I could sense that they were very touched to hear that Jesus suffered so much for the wrongs of men, they were very attentive, trying to understand the crown of thorns, and seemed to feel the pain of what it must have been like-being nailed, how Jesus felt as they nailed him on the cross.

We continued the story- Jesus said forgive them.., the sign on top of the cross reads-Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews,... the 2 robbers beside Him...what Jesus said to his mother and John who were there...later, the sky turned dark,...the curtain in the temple was torn into two... Jesus said: Father, unto your hands I commit my spirit, and he died,...the burial ...and finally the empty tomb-the victorious climax of the Easter story-Jesus said: I have risen!

I do not know if they understand every part of the story, but one thing I want them to know:

Jesus died for the wrongs of men, he was buried, the third day He rose again.
Jesus lives!

Son, Jesus said that He is the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Him will live even though he dies; and whoever believes in Him will never die. This evening I knelt before the cross and prayed. I remembered you before the Lord, and he reminded me of the Resurrection Hope!

Tomorrow we will celebrate Easter with a sunrise service at church.

Blessed Easter!

Forever loving you, missing you, my dear son!
Your Mama
11 April 2009