I think Selwyn’s conclusion is excellent:“The resurrection of Jesus is like a lighthouse in a storm-tossed sea of pain and suffering, beaming out a powerful message of hope and life. … So have confidence in the confidence of God. His Son overcame everything life threw at Him, and He sits once again on the throne of the universe, having Himself endured the deepest agonies of human suffering. As Corrie ten Boom puts it in ‘The Hiding Place’: ‘However deep the pit, God’s love has gone deeper still.’

I think, to a large degree, the book –  The Hiding Place, is more a story about Corrie’s sister Betsie:  “Betsie showed a universal love for everyone. Not only for the prisoners, but, amazingly for the Nazis. Instead of feeling anger, she pitied the Germans, sorrowful that they were so blinded by hatred. She yearned to show them the love of Christ, but died before the war was over.” You can read more about Corrie’s book on the Wikipedia site.

The verses Selwyn has picked for reading and meditation, contain some of my favourite verses: Genesis 50:15-21 (NLT), [Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and suffered in many ways before he eventually rose to a position of power in Egypt]: ”… But now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers became fearful. “Now Joseph will show his anger and pay us back for all the wrong we did to him,” they said.

So they sent this message to Joseph: “Before your father died, he instructed us to say to you: ‘Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you – for their sin in treating you so cruelly.’ So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin.” When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept. Then his brothers came and threw themselves down before Joseph. “Look, we are your slaves!” they said.

 But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.”

Jesus’ enemies intended to harm Him – and thought they had destroyed His influence by putting Him to death. But God intended it for good – and Jesus, through His death was then in the position to save the lives of many people. His resurrection proves that He is able to save your life. He will reassure you of His victory by speaking kindly to you!

Do you agree?