This past week, many people celebrated Holy Week that culminated with the resurrection of Jesus Christ, known as Easter. Children dressed up, colored eggs were hidden, little chicks were purchased, and sermons were prepared. Holy Week represents the time that people welcomed Jesus into the city as he rode in on a donkey. Palm leaves were waved, and the word ‘Hosannah’ was shouted in support of his arrival. And then, he was met by the same people with “crucify him!” Yes! All within seven days! He later hung on the cross to die for the sins of the world. That day of his death took place on what is known as ‘Good Friday.’
From Friday until very early Sunday (Easter) morning, the tomb where Jesus was buried was visited by his mother, Mary. The large stone covering the entrance to the tomb had been rolled away. It was then that Mary found Jesus was not inside. The cloth that covered his dead body was folded and left behind.
Rev. Enoch Fuzz, pastor of the Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, said that members expressed an excitement in his announcing that he would preach on Easter Sunday.
Rev. Fuzz’s sister introduced him with an acronym of his name, ‘Enoch’:
“The name ‘Enoch’ is described as Eager to go; Never gives up; Omnipresent; Caring; Helper,” she said.
Rev. Fuzz spoke from the scripture about Satan’s visit to Jesus while he was in the wilderness. He also mentioned the need to recognize what is ‘fake’ and what is ‘real.’ He described many examples of the inability to recognize what may not be real through hallucinations (from medication), taste (such as sugars), visuals (such as female hair styles), and telephone calls that offer great deals among other things.
Rev. Fuzz has been on his journey with stage four lung cancer for approximately 12 months. He has been through so many ups and downs, pains and uncertainties. Upon learning he was going to preach, my reaction was probably similar to that of many people advising him not to preach if he was in any way uncomfortable. No one wanted to see him ‘overdo it’ or put himself in a position causing a relapse into discomfort or recurring illness like shortness of breath, etc.
However, his willing eagerness to preach God’s message demonstrated that all of his efforts in upgrading and maintaining his health and his belief in the prayers that are prayed each day do not fall on deaf ears. God hears the cry of His people. He was asked to possibly be seated to deliver his sermon. But he chose to stand as he took his place in his pulpit. Referring to a ‘stone being rolled away,’ Rev. Fuzz did what he has always done. He sang, he delivered relevant words of Jesus’ resurrection and he praised God, recognizing that “Jesus is real!” If there is any question of what is real and what is fake, we saw Rev. Fuzz in the pulpit with no reminder of his medical situation.
Easter Sunday’s proclamation that ‘He has risen’ results from Jesus being discovered to have left the tomb to continue the work of His father. Rev. Fuzz exclaimed in conclusion to his sermon: “Jesus is real!”
Rev. Fuzz will continue to pray for the “whole wide world,” as he is known to say and ask that you continue to pray for him. Also, visit his Facebook site where you will find him sharing his praise in pictures and song. This week you can enjoy his Easter Sunday sermon. Be sure to continue to follow his weekly journey in the continuing series, ‘Cancer: My Journey in Time.’
