Comedian Bill Cosby once told the story of his college football team during a game. At halftime they were behind in points but their coach gave an inspirational talk in the locker room and got the players all fired up to play. They began to cheer and chant, eager to get back in the game. But when they got to the door of the locker room it was locked.
All their excitement and enthusiasm were for naught. They were blocked from moving forward even though they were emotionally ready to play.
We can be that way in our faith sometimes. When it comes to Easter we can get all fired up about our faith. We may be excited by the good news that Jesus conquered death and rose from the grave, giving us the promise of eternal life and the assurance of God’s incredible presence. But then we may encounter a stone that blocks us, an obstacle – our own fears and doubts, and questions about our own abilities. We can’t move forward in our faith even though we are excited about it.
Mary Magdalene has returned to the disciples to tell them that the tomb is empty. Jesus has risen! Who goes to the tomb then? How do they go? Who arrives first? What does he do? What does Peter do? What does the other disciple (assumed to be John) do?
Here we have the story of two dedicated disciples. One is Peter and one is identified as “the other disciple,” but scholars always interpret it to mean John. These two are considered to be the most fervent in their faith, the closest to Jesus, the ones who lead the others. In their eagerness they run to the tomb, going so quickly that it becomes a race.
Yet when they arrive John is unable to actually go into the tomb to experience its emptiness. He can do no more than look from a safe distance. Once Peter goes inside John is able to join him, and in that moment his faith is made complete. He believes.
We can be like John in our beliefs. We can be excited about the goodness and grace of God. We can be charged up about the resurrection. But then we stall and hesitate, afraid to commit completely to the promises and power of God.
As we celebrate Easter and the resurrection we need to use this time as an opportunity to recharge our faith and get excited about God’s blessings and presence in our lives. Then we need to step forward and truly believe, and in believing be able to go into the world and live as holy people.
DAILY CHALLENGE: What can make you step forward in faith?
