Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah. (Acts 2:31)
Many movies and TV series are produced with optional endings. We are even offered occasional opportunities to view alternative endings just in case we did not particularly like the one shown on the screen. In this way, the producers allow us to choose our own ending, guaranteeing that what we see is what is to come.
This truly meaningless activity allows us to eliminate apprehension about the ending. We can reduce fear and be certain that everyone lives happily ever after. The big catch is that it is not real. It’s fabricated. Manufactured. Unreal. Film clips from the cutting room floor.
Peter’s words at Pentecost pointedly reminded us that the confidence to see what was ahead was based on the promises of God and not on the whims of a random movie producer. What was coming was truly amazing. Not fabricated. Not manufactured. Not unreal. Not sweepings from the cutting room floor. Real promises from a real God about soon-coming, real events.
This is a word to us to look ahead and not draw fake strength from looking back. The Scripture repeatedly reminds us that the best is yet to be—which is powerfully true in this Easter season. Our focus on seeing what is coming is so amazing that the reflection of what once was, fades away as the truth of what will be takes center stage.
Draw hope from what is ahead.
H. C. Wilson is General Superintendent Emeritus of The Wesleyan Church.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.