There is Nothing Better than a Hot Cup of Coffee

There is nothing better than a hot cup of coffee in the morning. That first sip tastes great after a long night’s sleep. The aroma alone awakens the senses and creates a sense of anticipation. I believe it is the anticipation of the first sip that alone awakens the psyche and creates a desire for that first morning cup.

We live in a world of anticipation. We anticipate when we will receive our paycheck. We anticipate that first car. We anticipate that first kiss. The list goes on and on, but anticipation is a way of life for most of us.

Anticipation was a way of life for Jesus as well. Jesus anticipated his suffering and death on the cross. This was not something that he looked forward too. The disciples anticipated Jesus setting up God’s Kingdom on earth and they were disappointed. Their anticipation fell short, as they didn’t understand most of Jesus’ teachings. In our lives today, anticipation sets us up for great joy or sordid disappointment. It all depends of our expectations and how certain we believe they will be met.

It is terribly distressing when we look forward to that first cup of coffee, anticipating its aroma, warmth and taste only to find out that there is none in cupboard. We expect it to be there but when the coffee is not, we feel disappointment, irritation and possibly even anger. That is the way the disciples and Jesus’ followers felt on the night of his trial. After all he is the Messiah, why can’t he defend himself against these Jewish accusers and Roman pests? Why does he just stand there and take the mocking of the guards? Why doesn’t he simply answer Pilate’s questions? Why doesn’t the “Messiah” call down an army of the heavenly host and restore the fortunes of Zion?

The followers of Christ misunderstood his mission to save humanity. They anticipated and even expected a Davidic liberator. Disappointment and fear must have run through Jesus’ followers like ice water.

During the season of Epiphany we hear the people’s soft voices proclaiming this is the one who will bring us freedom and restoration. With every miracle they anticipate something greater is about to happen. Yet, it doesn’t, at least not in the way they expect. In some ways they reached for the cupboard and found it bare of what they sought and expected.

Like Jesus’ followers we are invited into the crowds and even the inner circle of Christ. Do we understand why Christ had to die the wretched death he did? Or are we still confused as to why God didn’t act in the moment?

Often we find ourselves wondering why Jesus went through so much pain and agony. After all he is the Son of God! Why should he endure the persecution of humankind, which as part of the Holy and Blessed Trinity, he created at the beginning of time? As we read the Scriptures our anticipation and expectations are soon shattered against the hard wood of the cross. But shattered they must!

Christ came into the world to save and liberate the world from sin and death. Therefore he had to experience life as we do, but without sin. While many anticipate and expect God’s power to overcome evil, that is not the way of it at all. Rather Jesus gives us an unexpected example of how to overcome the Adversary. It is done with humility and love. Jesus tells us “we must give up our lives to obtain life.” What does he mean by this? We must let go of our expectations and take on a new role. God calls us to a life of servant hood and humility, not a life of might makes right. We should anticipate being persecuted in the name of Jesus, but are expected to stand in faith. This is the way to eternal life in Christ.

As we approach the liturgical season of Lent we can anticipate the on coming darkness of doom. We can expect the persecution of our Lord. The cupboard is empty. There appears to be little or no hope. Yet despite our human understanding and confusion, God is in the midst of us and driving his Son forward on his misunderstood mission of salvation.

The Good News is that we will eventually awaken to the incredible aroma of the Resurrection. Through Christ’s victory over sin and death we can expect eternal life and an endless supply of salvation. Our cupboards will be filled with the grace of God.