It wasn't until I followed one of the cross-references over to Micah that I fully understood the gift He had in store for me. (A bit like hiding chocolate for kids to find
on Easter morning. :) )
The gift was Micah 7:7-8:
But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation.
My God will hear me.
Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy.
Though I fall I will rise;
Though I dwell in darkness, the Lord is a light for me.
What a profound passage to be given on Easter morning! Not only as a gift to me, but because it tells the story of Easter.
No matter what it looked like to the mocking crowds or to the delighted enemy, Jesus knew that God heard His cries from the cross. In anguish, He waited faithfully while the first stage of the eternal plan was accomplished.
But He knew something the mockers and apparent victors didn't know. I wonder if Micah 7:8 was one of the verses He kept close to His heart in anticipation of the resurrection:
Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy.
Though I fall I will rise;
Though I dwell in darkness, the Lord is a light for me.
If Jesus whispered this verse on crucifixion day, the enemy never heard it. They were too busy jeering and celebrating.
If Jesus said this verse out loud on resurrection morning, you can bet He didn't whisper. I can picture Him shouting it out, laughing with joy:
Do not rejoice over Me, O my enemy -- did you not know? -- though I fall, I will rise! Though I dwell in darkness, the Lord is a light for me. Praise be to God!
~ HAPPY EASTER, EVERYONE! ~