"Behold My Hands"

Hi Everyone!
Happy Resurrection Sunday to you all!
Today has been quite a different Easter for me than any other year. I am 10,000 miles away from all my friends and family celebrating at church.. for the first time ever!
We have some friends that live in Entebbe (around 4 hours from where I live). They run an orphanage for children affected by HIV and AIDS. Since I have 4 days off of work for Easter, we thought it would be a cool idea for me to come visit them for a few days.. have a change of scenery.. get to visit some friends, and experience a small part of their ministry.
This morning I began the long (longer than four hours by public transportation) trek to the agreed meeting place with our friends. Turns out they had some major car trouble, and were about three hours later than expected. I was at a nice little coffee shop,  I had my Bible to read, and journal to write in.. so I didn't really mind.


I was sort of bummed to be spending Easter without my family, and without my church back home. But I have actually been very blessed today, in a way I didn't expect. It was strangely refreshing to have nothing to focus on but the SOLE meat of Easter. I was able to celebrate my King's victory over death just quietly with myself and the Lord. It was very peaceful, intimate, and beautiful.


While I sat and waited for them, I decided to have myself my own little Easter service, and read the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. The story is so amazing to read.. it gave me chills. There was one part in particular that actually made me a bit emotional.
Thinking about the story from the disciples' point of view... Jesus spent three solid years with his disciples. No spring break, no summer vacation away from them. They were all together day in and day out for 1,095 days. They weren't just disciples, they were close, intimate friends. And not just socially intimate friends, but spiritually intimate friends...there is a big difference. They discussed the matters deepest and closest to the heart with each other. They prayed for each other and grew each other spiritually.Their bond was undoubtedly closer than any other human friendship that has ever existed. With that said, I can't IMAGINE all that went through their heads as they watched their beloved Jesus crucified on the cross. He was responsible for SO much growth, so much clarity, so much joy, and so much purpose in their lives... Now He's been killed? For no reason?? If you know the story, you know that they didn't understand why all those things were happening.. they didn't understand that that "Good" Friday would one day be considered a "good" day.. I can imagine how much hurt, sorrow, confusion, doubt,  and lack of purpose overwhelmed their spirits on that day.


But here's what I love.. Jesus, their adored teacher, mentor, and friend.... He came back. He rose from the dead! That is EVERY loved one's DREAM... To have a dear one die, then COME BACK just a few days later?!?! How amazing would that be?? I've heard so many people say  "I just wish they could come back." I have no doubts that the disciples said/ felt the same thing.. I can't imagine the stomach drop that happened when they found out it was true! He WAS back! He was alive! Their sorrow was no more! Confusion...yeah, confusion was still a little present.. But their beloved, familiar, Savior was with them once again.


My absolute FAVORITE part of this whole story, is Jesus's response to them when he appears before them. In their astonishment, He says "Behold my hands, touch my feet, feel my side. Touch me and be assured I am myself!" One of my  love languages is physical touch. I love to touch and be touched. I love the IDEA of touch. I love that He not only came back to them, not only did he explain, and give them understanding, but He invited them to touch Him. The intimacy was back. The familiarity of their closest friend had returned! Their precious Jesus- whom they thought they had lost- He was back, and better than ever. I really cannot imagine how they felt! How much joy and fulfillment must have been in their hearts! Their eyes were open, they knew their Savior, and they finally understood His sacrifice. Man.. how cool! I love the resurrection story for MANY reasons, but this is just one thing that popped out at me today!


Hope you all had/ are having a blessed Easter remembering/ celebrating our King's triumph so many years ago.
He is alive. Hallelujah. He lives!
Blessings
Gracie