In December 1781, news reached the Prime Minister, Frederick, Lord North, that the British were defeated in a little village called Yorktown. North, who had been Prime Minister since 1770, cried, “Oh God! It’s all over!” The British began their negotiations with the Americans, and North resigned as Prime Minister.

I often think about the disciples hidden away after the death of Jesus. Here they are frightened, confused and in a daze. I am sure most of them thought, “Oh God! It’s all over!” The Romans are coming for us, the Sanhedrin is coming for us. Where are all Jesus’ followers? Gone. Let’s go back to fishing. No, let’s stay here behind closed doors. I’m sure most of them were silent and in their own thoughts.

And then this happens, Jesus appears to them:

Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.”  As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet. Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he ate it as they watched.

Luke 24:38-43 NLT

I think it is humorous that Jesus asked for some food. Here is the resurrected Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God, and he’s famished. Luckily, they had something. Then they just watched as he ate. I’m sure that was uncomfortable.

As we are preparing to come out of our self-imposed exiles and businesses are starting to open up, let us pause a moment to thank the Lord for all that he has given us. No, it’s not all over. There is life to live! There are places to go and things to discover and do. We can finally gather as a family, but you better have something in the oven, because someone may show up and ask, “Got anything to eat?”

PRAYER

Lord God, thank you for your protection and love for us today! We thank you for your grace, peace and joy. Amen.