Easter Plans

They walked with him for three years and each had plans of where it was all going. His many references to a kingdom spurred thoughts of overthrowing the current regime and freeing their people from its terror.

This, then, led several to thoughts of position and rank in that kingdom. Others were occupied with the method of bringing his kingdom into power. One thought only of the money.

None had planned what actually happened.

His "Triumphal Entry" into the capitol most likely had each of his followers pumped. By then his power was widely known by the people and greatly feared by the clergy. This is it, they might have thought, now we're taking over and setting it all straight.

Proof of his master plan was all around them: he rode in on a donkey, as a king; he was surrounded by masses of people shouting honor to his name, waving praises at him through palm branches held by hands he had healed; they threw down their cloaks in front of him in a royal path to the temple but when he arrived, plans changed.

Instead of using his awesome power to overtake the city, Jesus rushed through the outer courts of the temple in Jerusalem in a mad rage. Thrusting tables into the air, he sent money flying, provoking screams from the money-changers. The ruckus infiltrated the inner courts. Priests and scribes peered between columns as word of who was causing the disturbance drew them out.

That display and outburst by the Master preceded his bone-chilling apocalyptic prophecies, an unforgettable Passover meal and his heinous crucifixion. So horrific was this turn of events, his followers scattered, shocked and confused.

Plans changed.

More precisely, their plans changed.

I'm thinking of this story laying flat on my back unable to sit, stand or walk. Obviously, my plans changed unexpectedly and I'm not real thrilled.

With so much time to think, I ponder the plans I had and how my new circumstance has changed them. And, since its nearly April, I contemplate the Easter story. It dawns on me that those who walked with Jesus experienced changes in their plans as well.

'Outcomes are God's business,' I recall hearing in a recent sermon. Many scriptures flow into my head supporting this argument, but one in particular stands out. It is a direct quote from God to the prophet Isaiah.

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD." (Isaiah 55:8a ESV)

This confronts me with a choice: struggle to regain control of my plans, or trust God for the outcome.

This is not to say, however, that the scriptures teach that we plan nothing; on the contrary, it is clear that we are wise to do so. Instead, the reminder is that how our plans will transpire, or if they will materialize at all is God's decision.

The disciples learned this quite abruptly one day when, locked in an upper room, hiding from religious authorities who were seeking to arrest them for stealing the body of Jesus, their crucified Savior walked into that room - through a wall.

Instantly, they knew he was who he said he was and all their previous conceptions of how this whole kingdom thing was going down melted into trust.

It was upon that trust that Jesus built his kingdom, "Not by might, not by power, but by My Spirit says the LORD of hosts." (Zechariah 4:6b NKJV)

Make plans for Easter 07 to trust in the risen Savior!

About The Author: Cheryl Courtney Semick is a newspaper columist, playwright and freelance writer in Peoria, Illinois. 'Easter Plans' is the April 07 article in her monthly column, Doors & Windows, published in 'The Community Word' newspaper. Visit her at www.ccsemick.com.