SignPost Easter Day—Topel’s

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

Years ago, when we really had American car makers, more than Ford and GM, when new models all came out at the same time, great secrecy was kept concerning what the new cars might look like. Dealership showrooms had a few of the older models, but with sale price signs on them. We were putting the past behind and looking to the future.

One by one, cars showed up covered with white tarps until the showroom and adjacent lot were filled with shrouded vehicles. Signboards displayed the date of the great unveiling. As the day approached, we would drive past Topel’s dealership anticipating the first view of the new cars. What would they look like?

Finally the day would come. It was really a big deal. Arc lights cut the skies, pennant flags were strung up from the corners of the lots to the tops of the signs. Some dealers offered free hot dogs, popcorn, and soda. Newspapers sent journalists to cover the event.

People dressed up, men put on suits; women put on heels and makeup. Families drove from all over town to their favored dealership to see the wonders of the new cars. They would make a night of looking at engines, marveling at the latest innovations, take test drives, and go home dreaming of owning one of those fine machines.

I particularly remember the year of the 1959 Nash Rambler, the special release year of the Marlin in 1965, and 1968 with the AMX and the Javelin, “Hey Javelin!” It was a time of innovation and re-creation. There was not much talk about fuel economy in those days. It was about power, speed, and maneuverability. Fuel economy was still in the future.

Today, we celebrate our re-creation. We commit ourselves to the new way of living that Christ makes possible for us—a life freed from the fear of death, freed to live in full relationship with God and one another—knowing that there will be mistakes along the way (let’s not forget the Marlin), but that, through the grace of God, we can make corrections in our lives in the world of forgiveness in Christ’s loving presence. There is power for change; there is flexibility for addressing the world of service opened to us; and this transformation happens, as St. Paul says, in the twinkling of an eye. The days of fuel economy are coming as we settle down for ministry in the long haul, but today we can celebrate in the time of the great un-shrouding.

He is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

Prayer

Lord, in your power we are re-created and sent out new into your ever-changing world equipped with all the gifts we need to do your work. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Amen