John 20:6-7  then Simon Peter came, following him (John), and went into the tomb;  and he saw the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded together in a place by itself.

†

Custom dictated that when people reclined at table, they would always have a napkin. If someone rose from table but intended to return, he would fold his napkin and leave it at his place. However if he was not intending to return, he would crumple his napkin and leave it at his place.

When the disciples found the linens in which Jesus was wrapped, the napkin used to cover the face of Jesus was folded by itself. The message? I AM RETURNING!

All praise to our Risen Lord, He is risen! He is here! He came back!

THE  BRIDGE

On the brink of eternity, life’s treasures spent

A chasm of guilt at their feet

Their backs bent and burdened by choices they’d made

No avenues left for retreat

Abortion. The word burns like fire in her soul

Thirty years could not deaden the sting

Of laughter not heard, fairy tales never told

Lullabies that she never would sing

Alcohol. Echos of warnings ignored.

If you’re going to drink, please do not drive

Had he taken the time to heed their advice

That child might still be alive

Adultery. Regret. bitter sorrow and tears

If only she’d not given in

He’d forgiven her yes, but look at the pain

That was caused because of her sin

                          †

 On a hill called Golgotha construction begins

As the life’s breath of heaven stands still

Three nails and one tree are all that are used

According to God’s Holy Will

                          †

On the brink of forever, the canyon of guilt

Loomed before them with no way around

Their lives spent and worthless, all hope was gone

When suddenly they heard a sound

The gates of eternity trembled and shook

The earth groaned in urgent reply

And behold, before them God’s Son appeared

On a bridge that split open the sky

“Though your sins be as scarlet, they’ll be white as snow

If you’ll come by the way I’ve prepared

The Father is waiting to welcome you in

Not a resource in heaven was spared”

                          †

There’s a chasm of sin, which no man can cross

And it stands between heaven and me

But God built a bridge at the hands of His Son

It was made with three nails and one tree

                         †

© Sharon Coleman  2015