For me one of the most helpful illustrations of the wonder of Easter Day comes from the experience of film producer, Cecil B. DeMille. The story (which has a number of versions) goes that he was in a canoe in Maine one summer day, just drifting through the water in a shallow place near the shore. He could see the bottom of the lake and noticed that it was covered with water beetles. One of them crawled up on the canoe, fastened its feet in the gunnel and died.

Three hours later, still floating in the warm sun, DeMille said he witnessed a miracle. The shell of the water beetle cracked open and a tiny head emerged. Then the wings unfolded until finally a beautiful dragonfly with an iridescent body and gossamer wings left the dead carcass and sailed across the surface of the water, shimmering in the afternoon sun — going farther in a half second than the water beetle could crawl all day long. The dragonfly sailed across the surface of the lake, but the water beetles below, unaware of the miracle of metamorphosis, couldn’t see it.

DeMille, a devout Christian, posses the question, “Do you think God would do that for a water beetle and not do it for you and me?”

While the rebirth of the beetle as a dragonfly might give us reassurance and comfort in the power of God, nevertheless, we can not forget that Easter morning comes at the cost of Good Friday.

There are some in our midst, and within the wider community, who are currently living out their Good Friday at this very moment… physically, mentally, emotionally. Like the water beetle they are held captive in some way.

Jesus read from the words of Isaiah ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ 

Easter is not just about the promise of resurrection. Death is not the only enemy to be overthrown! In life there are refugees held in detention, men and women held captive to poverty, children held in slavery, and oh so many people trapped by disease.

As people of the resurrection we are called to share the ministry of Christ… bringing good news to the poor, proclaiming release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, and crying out against oppression in all its forms.

Blessings

Reverend Shan