Church fire and Easter
Luke Chapter 24
One Friday morning, just before Easter, I received an emergency call about a fire at a nearby church. I drove out and saw to my horror, all that remained of the church were cement steps leading to a few charred posts. Church members and bystanders could only stand and stare in shock. A church building represents ministry to the community and many shared memories of baptisms, funerals, worship services, covered-dish suppers, meetings, children, and youth activities.
That Sunday, our church canceled services to join their congregation. We came to grieve and bring gifts. We expected a funeral. Instead, we witnessed the miracle of a church being reborn! Enthusiastic greeters welcomed us with bulletins and yellow ribbons. Chairs were placed on the lawn directly in front of the ruins. A pick-up truck held a makeshift sound system.
The pastor spoke of attending a meeting before the fire to discuss building a fellowship hall and kitchen. Then he described the shock of the fire and how he kept returning to the scene to make sure it wasn’t a nightmare. Then, he paused and announced: “We will build a new church with a new fellowship hall and a kitchen.” Our sadness turned to enthusiasm as we cheered.
The pastor spoke of a stranger who took the money out of his wallet, handed it to him and vowed to come back with more. A cabinetmaker promised new cabinets. A carpenter volunteered labor. A church offered free use of their building. Amidst the smoking ruins, this church began to build. A miracle was taking place.
On another Sunday morning, women went to the tomb loaded with spices to prepare the body of one they deeply loved. The Messiah they hoped for and followed was lying in a borrowed tomb. Imagine their surprise seeing the stone placed over the entrance of the grave rolled away. The grave itself, empty.
Sometimes, it takes a tragedy, to remind us of the important role of God’s church. Over the next few months, there were countless miracles as the church began to rebuild. What began as tragedy, turned into a miracle of rebirth.
One year after the fire, I attended another worship service: This time to dedicate a rebuilt church with a fellowship hall and a kitchen. In twelve months, a new church was built on the ashes of the old.
On the day of the fire, two Easter Lilies were placed on the front steps of the burned-out sanctuary as a symbol of hope. One year later hundreds of new lilies were placed as a reminder of how God creates new life from the ashes.
Prayer Challenge: Remember and celebrate the miracle of Easter Sunday.