Happy Easter!

A member of one of my past congregations had the most unusual practice of reading the last couple of pages in a book before she then commenced to the first chapter. Given the ease of modern technology, I suppose she does the same with movies. But imagine knowing the ending of Alfred Hitchcock’s Pscyho, or M. Night Shamalan’s The Sixth Sense before you even begin watching the opening credits! As the author of the Old Testament book Ecclesiastes oft reminds us, ‘There is an opportune time for everything.’

Most of us would agree that the opportune time for experiencing the conclusion of a book/movie rightly comes at the end, particularly if the ending has a twist. The reveal is supposed to be shocking. That’s the point. Reading ahead spoils the surprise. That’s why the ‘spoiler alert’ has become beneficial when discussing a story previously unknown. Of course, after the initial experience knowing the ending no longer holds the same power. Instead, recipient is invited to meet the story in a different way, with new meaning yet to be discovered. Like watching Planet of the Apes for the millionth time having become more than familiar with its surprise ending…only to unexpectedly stumble across some previously hidden gem. It’s always been there. You’re just now aware of it. You’ve evolved into it.

I’m guessing that a spoiler alert before the final act of the gospel story is unnecessary to most of us reading this. But I’ll issue it, regardless, just in case. The upcoming Holy Week will recount the final 24 hours of Jesus’ life with an unjust arrest and trial, culminating in a crucifixion and subsequent burial.

And then…SPOILER ALERT…

…He’s resurrected!

Don’t say I didn’t warn you; and, Happy Easter,