This time of self-quarantine and isolation is difficult for everyone, but the extra free time allows each of us a unique opportunity to dive deeper into God’s Word and contemplate the meaning of resurrection. So many people are looking to pass the days with little distractions, but I believe we can do more than just fill our days. God calls each of us to live abundantly, and, when we respond in faith, we will find God’s promises fulfilled. We are entering week two of the Easter season, and there are signs of resurrection all around us today. The world is greening, the birds are singing, and the days are getting longer. Beyond experiencing God in nature, the Lord can surprise us with joy in writing cards to loved ones, calling long-neglected friends, and encouraging one another through social media. We can even experience the Divine in opening old dusty books from our shelves.
Herman Melville’s great classic, Moby Dick, is packed with biblical themes and allusions. There is a character aboard ship named Queequeg, who was beloved by the crew. When he was seized by a serious fever, the illness left him worried about his future. He calls the ship’s carpenter, and requested a coffin be made for him in the shape of a canoe. The carpenter took Queequeg’s measurements, finished it.
Little more is said of the strange coffin, as the book progresses, and the story returns to Captain Ahab and the great whale, Moby Dick.
In the novel’s dramatic climax, Captain Ahab finds Moby Dick, but the whale overcomes the captain, smashing the boat to pieces, killing Ahab and tossing the crew into the sea to be eaten alive by sharks.
Ishmael, the storyteller, finds himself floundering in the water, being sucked into the vortex of the sinking ship, circling in a fatal eddy, prey for the sharks. Suddenly a “black bubble” bursts from the water, liberated from the depths by its own buoyancy. It shoots up with great force and lands near Ishmael. It is the canoe-shaped coffin. Climbing into it, Ishmael floats for a day and night until he is rescued by a passing ship.
Because of the Resurrection, our coffins are nothing more than canoes bearing us across the Jordan River to fairer worlds on high.[i]
Resurrection is occurring all around us. May we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and voices to rejoice. God is good…
In Hope and Confidence,
Pastor Dave and Pastor MP
[i] [1]Morgan, R. J. (2000). Nelson's complete book of stories, illustrations, and quotes (electronic ed.) (251). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
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