Stop Diggin’ for Life in the Land of the Dead
Well, bless my boots, Butterbean, pull you up a comfy chair right over there and be real ready to be ‘a-swattin’ that there pesky mosquito off’n your knee ‘cause we’re ‘bout to go ‘a-steppin’ into some o’ that there real holy truth that’ll be ‘a-wakin’ you up a whole lot faster than a lil’ ol’ loud mouth Banty rooster with a megaphone. Luke 24:5-6 is done ‘a-tellin’ us, “Why do you seek the living among the dead. He is not here, but is risen.” That right there is done enough to be ‘a-makin’ a lil’ ol’ possum git’ ta’ droppin’ its lil’ biscuit and git’ ta’ shoutin’, “Hallelujah!”
Them there angels ‘a-sittin’ at that there tomb was basically ‘a-sayin’, “Butterbean, y’all are ‘a-lookin’ in the wrong place.” An’ bless our hearts, we’re still ‘a-doin’ that kind o’ stuff. We go ta’ lookin’ for wisdom in places that done have ‘bout as much spiritual life as one o’ them there fence post chewin’ cows. Philippians 3:20-21 is done ‘a-remindin’ us that our citizenship is really already in heaven. That there done means we’re heaven folk, ain’t none o’ them earthbound turkeys ‘a-flappin’ ‘round ‘a-tryin’ to be ‘a-flyin’. We’re done belongin’ to the risen King, not to anything or anyone still spiritually wilted and withered.
Now you gotta’ be ‘a-picturein’ this here. Them there women who done come to the tomb ‘a-expectin’ to be ‘a-findin’ Jesus still ‘a-bein’ all wrapped up jes’ like last year’s fruitcake. Ha! Instead, they done found angels ‘a-standin’ there like heavenly forest rangers ‘a-sayin’, “Why are y’all ‘a-pokin’ ‘round in the land o’ the dead when the One you done be ‘a-seekin’ is very much alive.” That there’s the gospel words equal ta’ tellin’ somebody not to be askin’ a turtle for any kind ‘o directions. That there’s the real wrong source, real wrong place, and real wrong species.
And here we be, Butterbean, still ‘a-askin’ the world to be ‘a-tellin’ us how to be ‘a-livin’, how to be ‘a-thinkin’, how to be ‘a-findin’ joy. That there’s like ‘a-askin’ a lil’ ol’ goat to be ‘a-teachin’ ballet. That there lil’ ol’ goat might be ‘a-tryin’, but, doggone it, you ain’t gonna’ be ‘a-likin’ them there results. Spiritual life jes’ can’t be found among them spiritually snoozin’ folks. If’n Jesus was still in that there tomb, we’d be ‘a-havin’ no choice but to be ‘a-rummagin’ ‘round in the ol’ world’s bargain bin of advice. But He’s done risen. He’s really alive. He’s the source of wisdom, joy, and guidance. As John Calvin done told us, “While all men seek after happiness, scarcely one in a hundred looks for it from God.” Let us be ‘a-strivin’ to be that there one.
Father, be ‘a-helpin’ us to stop ‘a-seekin’ life in them there dead places. Be ‘a-helpin’ us to be ‘a-turnin’ our eyes right toward the risen Christ. Be ‘a-teachin’ us to be ‘a-listenin’ to heaven instead o’ this ol’ world. Be ‘a-fillin’ us with wisdom that only is ‘a-comin’ from You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now, looky over here, Butterbean, as you git’ ta’ settin’ off on today’s journey like a lil’ ol’ squirrel ‘a-tryin’ ta’ be ‘a-rememberin’ where it done buried its acorns for the winter, you gotta’ be ‘a-takin’ this here light bulb moment with you. Jesus is done really alive. You’re a real citizen of heaven. You’ve gotta’ be ‘a-stopin’ diggin’ ‘round in them there spiritual compost piles. Be ‘a-liftin’ your eyes right on up to the One who’s already done conquered the grave. Be ‘a-restin’ in the wonderful fact that the same power that done rolled that there stone away is the very same power ‘a-carryin’ you through whatever is ‘a-gonna be ‘a-comin’ your way next !
With joy,
Gwen
