“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3

You know, as I just read that verse, I realized that I have been giving Jesus all the credit for the resurrection. Somewhere along the line, I came to believe that Jesus raised Himself from the dead. Clearly, this needs correction. All praise goes to God the Father. It is by God the Father’s great mercy that this happened. It is by God the Father that I have new birth. And, (wake up and listen) God was the one raising Jesus from the dead. I’m sure Jesus deserves some praises as well, but this little detail changes the story for me.

The last I heard from God in the Passion saga was on Good Friday when the Father turned His back on the Son, who was hanging on the cross. I think that’s where I’ve left God in the story. I was a little miffed, a little incredulous that the whole salvation plan had to go that far. I’ve viewed Jesus as the Hero who did the thing. I never knew at what point God turned back around.

Suddenly, I see God the Father in the tomb, massaging His boy’s heart back to beating. I see Abba bending down, giving mouth to mouth, giving breath of life. God the Father was there, doing the work of raising His Son back up. Whoa.

When Jesus’ eyes fluttered open, was Father the first one He saw? Did they embrace? Jump around? Dance and sing? Certainly, God smiled. Surely, Jesus laughed. Up until now, I’ve envisioned only Jesus walking out of the tomb, but perhaps Father and Son strode out into that Sunday morning darkness arm in arm. Then maybe God said, “See you in 40 days. Have fun with Your guys. I’ve got a coronation to prepare for.” Wink. Twinkle. Pat on the back.

It’s all conjecture. I’m crossing the line from academic accuracy to imaginative deduction. Dangerous ground. Yet I believe in holy imagination. And holy correction. And holy inspiration. Holy, holy, holy.

Father God, I’m sorry I’ve held a little something against You. I was kind of disappointed. It appeared to me that You disappointed Your Son at His lowest moment. I suppose it had to be, but I left You there, with Your back to us all.  I was in error. I’m so glad to let this go. I’m thankful for this vision of You and Your Son walking out of the grave together, rejoicing. Thank You for doing the work of raising Jesus from the dead. You did it!