For Saturday, April 12, 2025:
John 16:16 NLT, Jesus speaking: “In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.”
Of course Jesus is teaching about his impending resurrection. This was prophesied in Psalm 30: “You turned my mourning into dancing.” Worship Leader Tommy Walker turned it into a song that Ron Kenoly made famous. Even Bob Dylan penned the song, “Death is not the end.”
Funerals are often solemn, sad affairs. We miss the one who died, and their demise leads to our grief. But a celebration would be a better fit with our theology. When a believer dies, they enter the next reality, which means Jesus will greet them with open arms. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Tomorrow, Palm Sunday, we celebrate Jesus’ Triumphal entry into Jerusalem. In a few short days, the fickle general public will turn shouts of “Hosanna” into “Crucify Him.” He will be placed in a tomb on Good Friday, and by Sunday he’ll be raised, walking around where everyone can see him. He will turn our mourning into dancing!
Pastor Norton Lawellin
Jesus In the City Fellowship
