Easter Reflection

The ANZAC spirit is one of selfless love, those sacrificing for the good of others. Like Calvary, Gallipoli was an apparent defeat, but it was the beginning of a great victory. Gallipoli today tells us of the birth of the Australian nation, Calvary was the birth of the Christian church. We are in a war that often may seem futile and overwhelming, but we also know that in the end Jesus wins and the devil loses. On the cross Jesus uttered seven sentences, one of which is just one-word; Telelestai, which is translated into three words in English – “It is finished.” The battle had been won, it was Friday, but Sunday was acoming! Death and apparent defeat become victory!

In 2006 a Melbourne woman Kimberly Dear was set to fulfill a life ambition when she enrolled for skydiving lessons while on holidays in Missouri in the US. Her hopes were dashed when the plane she was flying in lost power and started careening toward the ground.

Her instructor – Robert Cook 22 – responded instantly. He apparently took hold of her and calmly talked her through what would happen next.

“As the plane is about to hit the ground, make sure you’re on top of me so I take the force of the impact.”

They crashed. The plane hit a tree and went down vertically.  5 people died, including Robert Cook. Kimberly survived, and from hospital reported that in the seconds just before the crash, she felt Mr Cook swivel his body into position, as he pushed her head against his shoulder to cushion the blow.

He took the full force of the impact.”

Kimberley suffered pressured vertebrae, severe muscle tears around her spine, a broken pelvis and collar bone, many cuts and abrasions, concussion and severe bruising, her father said.

Her sister, Tracey Dear, speaking in Melbourne, said Mr. Cook must have known he was giving his life for Kimberley’s as the plane plunged to earth.

“There’s nothing … I can’t even put it into words but the only thing I can think of is saying thank you so much,” she said.

“I can’t believe that in this world when so many people are so jaded that there are people out there like that.

“He met Kimberley, as far as I know, that day. I would do that for her, but I can’t believe that a stranger who just met her would knowingly give up his life for her.

“I just want his family to know we appreciate that from the bottom of our heart.”

Kimberly returned to Australia after 10 weeks.

I’ve never been a big fan of attempts, even my own attempts, to illustrate the meaning of Jesus’ death by modern stories. There’s a danger of trivialising one or the other.

But when I read of the actions of Robert Cook, I couldn’t help but think again of the words of Jesus at the last supper prior to the first Easter.

“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.”

The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is the guarantee of our eternal destiny if Christ is in our lives. With the Apostle Paul I believe in “the power of His resurrection,” as the power of mine.