He Is Risen!

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19

The sheer insanity of it all! Can you imagine what it would have been like to have witnessed your beloved friend and teacher put to death. How gut-wrenchingly horrific to watch the agony of this one you love. This man that you followed around the countryside; who taught you; who ate with you; who healed the sick and cast out demons before your very eyes is gone. He is dead.

Now, here he is. Alive! Standing before you! Just as he promised, He lives! Watching the movie "Risen" yesterday, it struck me that once the disciples witnessed him alive, they had no alternative; but, to go and share this good news. Who wouldn't? Sure they could've tried to kept their lips sealed to protect themselves. They did not have to tell anyone about this miraculous return of their beloved friend from the dead. But, how would one keep such a secret. Impossible! It is just too marvelous! The news must be shared. And, it was shared. Like mad men; yet, not mad; filled with the Spirit, those first followers of Jesus went out and shared the marvelous news of his death, his resurrection, and his ascension. The good news is that because he is risen and so shall we!

I hear often about churches dying. I wonder why; how can this be? How can a church die when they have such good news to share. Maybe, because the good news isn't being shared. Think about it for a minute. Those who witnessed Jesus alive have his death were few. Yet, from those few the good news has spread  around the world. Even in the smallest of congregations there are at least a dozen who worship God. Don't keep him in the sanctuary. Don't hide your love of God. Go out and tell the world that; although, he was hung a cross until dead, he is risen!

He lives!

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Tradition would tell me this blog would be best for Easter. But, it is good news for every day! I doubt those first disciples quit telling the story during the forty days. One never knows when someone who has not heard the story needs to hear it.

Micah 5 - Savior Out Of Bethlehem

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
    one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
    from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2 NIV)

The prophecy of the one who would be born in Bethlehem... The people of God looked for and waited for this savior to deliver them - to bring them peace. He is the one whose birth we celebrate on Christmas morning. The Christ child, Jesus, was born in a stable in Bethlehem as God, through Micah, promised. The savior has come. The bringer of peace is here. He came to bring His peace so that the people of God would be one with God and one with one another. The wall that separates would be destroyed as it has been for all who would live and abide in His name, through His death; His resurrection and His ascension.

During this Advent season, we remember how the people longed for this savior to be born. We remember and, as children of God, we prepare for Him to come again in full glory.

Remember always and prepare your hearts for He has come! He is Risen! And... He will come again!

God's Peace - Pr. J