“Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, as well as the cloth that had been around Jesus’ head”. ~ John 20:6-7

Most of you know that we have been dealing with a leak from a broken pipe in the kitchen at the parsonage. Because it was in the wall, and in the back of the lower cabinets, the leak did not present itself until the cellulose insulation thawed out as the temperature got warmer, and trickled down the basement wall, which is where David found it.

It wasn’t until we found the leak, got a plumber to come to the house, and he opened up the wall, that we found we were going to need more extensive repairs than just a fixed pipe. By opening the wall, it exposed the truth of what was happening. And once that truth was found, we were unable to ignore the damage, and are faced with having to get the proper testing for asbestos, lead paint, and mold, tearing out the cabinets and counter top, and then opening more of the wall to find out exactly the amount of damage that was done by one little 3/4 inch slit in a copper pipe.

The truth is like that. Once it is out in the open, it can’t be ignored. Oh, we can try and sweep it under the rug, or hide it in a closet, but good luck with that. Eventually, someone will “trip” over the rug, or open the closet, and the truth will be exposed. Truth is tricky like that.

Oftentimes, the truth hurts. Or, at the very least, it stings. But it always finds a way of coming to the surface, and you know what? The truth will set you free!

Don’t believe me? Have you ever done something in your life—or said something to someone—that you didn’t want anyone to find out?

Maybe it was because you didn’t want to take the blame (even though you deserved to take it). Or maybe it was because the truth made you feel ashamed. Or maybe the truth proved you were wrong about something, or someone, and you didn’t want to believe it—be it good or bad.

What happens when you try to hide, or try to run away from the truth? How do you feel? Do you feel lousy? How do you sleep when you try to hide the truth? Are Guilt and Anxiety constant companions during this time?

But what happens when the truth comes out, and you have to face the consequences?

While it may sting for a little while, don’t you feel better having let it go? With the truth in the open, you don’t have to hide anything anymore, you don’t have to lie anymore, you don’t have to keep things bottled up anymore.

On that dark day we call Good Friday, Jesus was led to Golgotha—made to carry his own cross—and then nailed to it until he suffocated and took his last breath. And he did this willingly—because he knew the truth. He knew that his suffering would save humanity—for the rest of time. He knew the truth about how God’s Love covers everyone’s sins—if they but repent—if they turn back toward God and leave their old, sinful ways. (Which, by the way, must also be done willingly!)

Some 2000+ years later, we have the luxury (unlike the disciples and Jesus’ followers) of knowing this Truth. We know that in the midst of the valley of death, new life will rise again.

No matter what you are going through, remember that Truth. And remember that sharing the truth, even though it may sting, in the long run, will bring you new life.

God’s Truth— Love wins, and the unearnable Love of God is for everyone—no matter who, no matter what, no matter where. Go forth and spread that truth, don’t hide it!

Always Peace,

Pastor Heidi