The concept of Eucatastrophe is an invention of J. R. R. Tolkien. It’s a hard word to write without making a spelling mistake. Try it! I like the concept. And I’m not alone. Though Tolkien was a Roman Catholic, many modern Reformed folk have paid homage to the idea of Eucatastrophe. Perhaps it’s because he associated the greatest Eucatastrophe with the Incarnation, Crucifixion and Resurrection:
The Resurrection is the Eucatastrophe of the glory of the Incarnation. This story begins and ends in joy. ~ J. R. R. Tolkien
According to the website Tolkien Gateway:
“Eucatastrophe is a neologism coined by Tolkien from Greek ευ- ‘good’ and καταστροφή ‘destruction’.”
Perhaps superficially speaking, the “catastrophe” part of Eucatastrophe, in context to the Incarnation and Resurrection, might be seen to be the Crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. But, essentially, for Tolkien Eucatastrophe is a sudden happy turn of events in a story which ends up piercing one with a joy that brings tears…
When I think of “Eucatastrophe”, I can’t help recalling of one of my favorite interludes of the three days of the Crucifixion and Resurrection – that of the sad and perplexed disciples traveling the lonely road back to their home in Emmaus. You know the story…
While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. And He said to them, “What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?” And they stood still, looking sad. Luke 24:15-17
After hearing the responses of these grieving disciples (Luke 24:18-24), Christ gently chided them:
“O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” (Luke 24:25-26)
Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. Luke 24:27 (A great book on this is David Limbaugh’s The Emmaus Code)
Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight. They said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:31-32
It wasn’t as if they weren’t informed beforehand. Yet their grief was mercifully turned to joy. I so wish I also walked that road with them and sat at that table! Don’t you? My heart often burns just reading this account. I can’t imagine what it was like for them there and then!
The Apostle Peter’s Eucatastrophe…
Maybe I’m pushing the idea a bit too far; yet another possible Eucatastrophe is Peter’s sad pre-crucifixion story. Imagine being scolded by Jesus, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block...” (Mat 16:23). Then being informed that Satan is targeting you:
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32
Follow all this up with Peter’s denial of Christ (Mat 26:69-75; Mark 14:30-31). How would you and I feel?
And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. Mat 26:75
Despite Peter’s three bitter denials, God the Father answered Jesus’ prayer. The man called Simon Peter was restored in one of my other favorite interludes. Jesus asks him three times whether he loves Him (John 21:15-17). Peter, do you love me more than these? Alf, do you love me?
How different was Peter’s Eucatastrophe to Judas’ Eternal Catastrophe! One became a mighty apostle, the other went into perdition. Also contrast the repentant criminal on the cross to the un-repentant one (Luke 23:39-43).
And, by the way, the fact that Christ prays for His church – as he prayed for Peter – gives me great comfort, and joy. It should also do so for all of us. Read John chapter 17.
The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. John 17:22-24
Of course, the Crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ wasn’t a catastrophe at all, though it may have temporarily seemed that way at the time. That would have only been the case had there not been a Resurrection, which was confirmation of our Lord by His Father. See The Exultation of Christ.
For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 1 Cor 15:21-22
“O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor 15:55-57
A Cosmic Catastrophe occurred in the Garden of Eden when our first parents listened to the serpent (Genesis 3). The Crucifixion and Resurrection were a Cosmic Victory (see Romans chapter 8).
One day God will wipe away all our tears (Rev 7:17, 21:4).
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Rev 22:20-21
Maranatha!
P.S. For those interested, Dr. Joel Beeke proposes that Jesus’ placement of the grave clothes was deliberate, and a message to the disciples. You can read Beeke’s article Empty Grave Clothes HERE. It starts on page 39.
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