If there is anything that defines followers of Jesus it’s our faith in resurrection and the Easter season is a time of reaffirming this faith, moving deeper into its mystery, and allowing it to permeate our lives still more. Resurrection living is not just about us as individuals – it connects us with others in communities of faith. Apart from Mary’s first meeting with Jesus (John 20:14-18) there is no account in the Scriptures of anyone encountering the Risen Christ alone. Every resurrection appearance, after the first, happens when the disciples are meeting together as a group. Thomas was not with the other disciples when they first saw Jesus – he didn’t share the experience of his friends and, for more than a week, he struggled to believe. When he did finally encounter Jesus, it was when he was back in the gathering of the disciples, and he found the faith he had been missing.
What is also significant about the resurrection is that it reveals the truth about Jesus’ message and mission. When Jesus rose, it was not just about him becoming alive again as an individual who lived long ago. It was about the amazing truth that God’s Reign – God’s grace, compassion, peace, justice, and love – cannot be defeated even by death. This means that being a witness to Jesus is not just about believing that he rose again. It’s about living the eternal values of Jesus now and inviting others into the abundant, eternal life of Christ now. So, you may need to use words to share Christ’s life, but you will definitely need to make your commitment to Christ’s values, Christ’s gracious actions and Christ’s welcoming acceptance of others visible. Being witnesses is about letting the resurrection impact the world through us as we embody the character and purposes of Jesus in day-to-day contacts and on a wider stage as communities of faith. A testimony that is much in need in our world of turmoil. Mike.
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AuthorRev Mike Blake Archives
May 2024
CategoriesScottish Charity Number:
SC011957 |