Grandpa Buhler’s Musings

12 April 2009

Dear Bethel Family and Friends: (E-Mail Version)

When I was a little fellow I didn’t much enjoy getting up early and going to the Easter Sunrise Services. In Salem this meant either some country hillside or the stadium at Bush Park. However, this was the thing to do so that was what we did. De rigueur.

Dad thought this was great. Often it was cold, wet, and windy. Someone would hold an umbrella over the speaker so his Bible wouldn’t get wet. Although I’d tuck myself in between mom and dad, by the time the service was over I was totally chilled.

Still, I looked forward to, loved Easter. It was a special day filled with happy music, pretty things and the hints of spring. As I began to understand what we were celebrating I could appreciate the power of the message. Today, more than ever. Resurrection! Yes!

…

Probably everyone reading this will be familiar with the story of Jesus’ crucifixion. The details of how, what, when, and where have been studied in great detail. One part has often been of special interest to me. That was when after Jesus had breathed his last, the Roman Centurion, a hard man who had directed the entire episode, looked up, amazed, and said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

A Roman Centurian earned his position by long and faithful service. He was commander of one hundred Roman soldiers and accustomed to carrying out any and all orders given him. This detail would not have been anything new to him until he discovered he was part of a truly unique event. I’ve sometimes wondered what kind of a person the Centurion was after this?

Love…Larry Buhler