Don't miss the point!

"A faith that fails to connect and apply Christianity to the practical everyday problems of the average person has missed the point.” - Catherine Marshall

There are so many glorious promises that stem from the Resurrection and we need to hold onto all of these. However, I do agree with Catherine Marshall on one of the main gifts of knowing that Christ is alive. 

The gift of the Resurrection opens the doors for the power of the Holy Spirit to be amongst us. When we come to live in the power of the Spirit, we are given all that we need for daily life. Our faith is alive, because Jesus is Alive.

Thought: Is the Resurrection still only an event that we look back on with good memories, or is it a promise of God's Presence with us always, as the greatest enemy has been defeated?

John 11:25-26 - "Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

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erdyproblems of the average man has missed the point.

Catherine Marshall

As the dust settles

The anticipation of the Resurrection has been fulfilled. We arrived at this glorious reminder on Sunday morning. It is a miraculous sign of Hope in our world filled with darkness and fear. When the followers of Jesus thought that evil and death had won, God revealed his ultimate hand and raised Jesus from the dead. 

This miracle will keep perplexing us, just as it did the first eyewitnesses, but when the dust settles, we will need to live with conviction and belief. Of course, not all of us are like Simon Peter or John - some of us are more inclined to be like Thomas - but we are all given the choice to 'see and believe.' 

For the followers of Jesus, he is not a dead hero, but a living person. It would be very sad to follow someone who had their 5 minutes of fame but then faded into history. The story of Jesus is far more remarkable than that - and we are invited to witness to this miracle. 

For this to take place, I believe we all need an encounter with the Lord - this is where we are moved to faith. This is my prayer for you - may we all experience the Risen Lord.

Matthew 28:6 - He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.

He is Risen indeed!

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The worst thing is not the last thing!

This is still one of my all-time favourite quotes: 

“The resurrection means the worst thing is never the last thing.” - Frederick Buechner

May these words live with you throughout this week and beyond. Trust that with the grace of God, whatever you are facing at the moment, will not be the final word on the matter. Christ has overcome all things!

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." - 1 Peter 1:3

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Choosing a way to pay a debt

“When I treat other people with kindness and love, it is part of my way of paying my debt to God and the world for the privilege of living on this planet.” - Ben Carson

I find it interesting that Ben Carson uses the word 'debt' in this quote, and especially in light of paying a debt to God. Having just come out of our Easter journey, we have been reminded that Christ paid a debt that we could never pay ourselves. 

So, what then could Ben be speaking about?

I think that he expresses a sentiment that should be practiced more widely in our world today - Living a life of love and kindness, in response to what God has already done for us. Yes, we can never fully repay what Jesus did for us, but we can surely live as if we are grateful for his love and act as if Christ's gift has transformed us in some way.

What do you think?

2 Corinthians 3:18 - And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

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The unveiling and the invitation

We soon discover that there are not enough days to pause and reflect on the power of Jesus' resurrection. Our 40 days of Lenten preparation are over in a flash, and suddenly the world seeks to rush back to its old way of life. 

But surely, we can't just wake up and pronounce: 'Life as usual!' There has to be some change in us or at least a sincere desire to know more of this new life in Christ. Life shouldn't just carry on as usual, because there was nothing 'normal' about the resurrection. 

“The resurrection completes the inauguration of God's kingdom.... It is the decisive event demonstrating that God's kingdom really has been launched on earth as it is in heaven.... "The message of Easter is that God's new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ and that you're now invited to belong to it.”- N. T. Wright

Let us remember that Jesus has unveiled the new kingdom and we have been invited to belong to it. How do you respond to that invitation?

1 Peter 1:3 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

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Only for fools

The timing of April Fool's Day this year, (just one day after the Resurrection), makes an interesting conversation starter. Can you imagine how difficult it was for the original disciples to:

a. Believe that Jesus had been raised from the dead?
b. Tell others about it!

They would have seemed like crazy fools. 

And yet, here we are - 2000 years later, still talking about the miracle of the Resurrection. If it had been a silly joke, it wouldn't have gained any traction, and the idea of the Resurrection would have soon faded from memory. However, the reality of this miracle continued to gather momentum amongst the disciples and as soon as Jesus appeared to them, they no longer felt so foolish.

Thought: There are people that still think we are foolish to believe in Jesus and the Resurrection. I am content to be considered a fool.

Psalm 2:1 - "What fools the nations are to rage against the Lord! How strange that men should try to outwit God!"

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Planted or buried?

"Sometimes when you're in a dark place you think that you've been buried, but you've actually been planted." - Christine Cane

John 12:24 - "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."

On our journey to the agony of the Cross, let us remember that Jesus's death and resurrection, changes the way we look at our troubles and losses. What may seem like a loss to us, could just be the foundation of something marvelous in the future. 

“Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal." - Eugene Peterson

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Rise up and be counted

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ invites all of us to a new life in his name. For us, this must mean a genuine desire to 'be resurrected' on a daily basis. What I mean is that we need to choose to 'die to our ourselves' and then allowed the Holy Spirit to renew us again. 

Perhaps for some people this happens in a once off event, but in my experience, this is something that I need to be willing to do every day of my life. As Matthew Fox writes - I must be willing to 'rise up and be counted.'

“to be Resurrection for another I need to be Resurrection for myself. That means I cannot dwell in [despair] or death and anger and oppression and submission and resentment and pain forever. I need to wake up, get up, rise up, put on life even when days are dark, and my soul is down and shadows surround me everywhere … I have to listen to the voice that says: Be Resurrection… Be Born again. And again. And again. Rise up and be counted. Rise up and imbibe the good news deeply – that death does not conquer, that life, not death, has the last word …” – Matthew Fox

Romans 8:11 - And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

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Let us not rush through the story

It is barely 10 days since Easter Sunday, and I feel that many of us have simply rushed through the Resurrection story and had gone back to 'life as normal.' However, it shouldn't be this way! The news of Christ's resurrection makes sure that our lives are anything but normal. We are offered the gift of transformation and the chance to begin again. This is an everyday gift and one that should bring hope into our worlds. 

"Resurrection is the announcement that life cannot ultimately be conquered by death, that there is strength added when the labors increase, that multiplied peace matches multiplied trials, that life is bottomed by the glad surprise." - Howard Thurman 

What gift does the Resurrection offer you right now? Is there some grief in your heart that needs the light of Jesus to shine on?

Acts 23:6 - I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead (Paul). 

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God with us

"God with us in our nature,

In our sorrow,
In our lifework,
In our punishment,
In our grace,
And now with us,
Or rather with Him,
In resurrection,
Ascension,
Triumph,
And Second Advent splendor." - Charles Spurgeon 

Forgive my lack of creativity, but it has been a long and tiring Holy Week. I am sending you all this lovely prayer/poem written by Charles Spurgeon and pray that it may offer you some joy today.

Luke 24:6 - "He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:"

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Magnificent failure?

"If Jesus could enter this world and be unflinchingly courageous in this extreme adversity, be such a magnificent 'failure', then I can also live with meaning and love in whatever comes my way." - Eugene Peterson

When we look to Jesus we see in him so many moments of inspiration for our lives. 

We remember that He is our salvation and our strength, but Eugene Peterson offers us fresh insight into something else. When we note that Jesus appeared to be a 'failure' in the public eye, but still showed unflinching courage in the face of his death, I hope we feel renewed encouragement to keeping going. Life can throw us many curve balls, but with the resilience of Christ, we can persevere. 

Mark 16:6 - But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him.

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The last thing

I came across a very moving quote this week which has added immense depth to my reflections on Easter. It reminds me of the central message of the cross and resurrection.

"Resurrection means that the worst thing is never the last thing." - Frederick Buechner

Paul said the same thing, albeit in a different way:

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)

May you have a blessed Easter weekend.

He is Risen.

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Radical implications

There are so many radical implications of Jesus' resurrection, for his disciples, but these are the vital paradigm shifts that take place following Jesus' appearances. 

He changes their fear to courage.

He challenges their doubts in order to move them deeper into faith.

He reveals the truth of his bodily appearance in order to remind them that He has not abandoned them.

He reminds them of their call to mission.

He empowers them with the gifts of 'peace' and the 'Spirit.'

36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence. (Luke 24)

As we reflect on these implications how many of these are still vital for us in our own personal faith?

I would guess that they are ALL necessary for us.

What do you think?

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Taking note

I came across this beautiful prayer from Eddie Askew this morning. It is such a lovely reminder of what the Resurrection means for us all. It is my hope and prayer that you would enjoy it as much as I have done. God bless you.

"Forgive me Lord,
for all the times
I walk through life head down,
my vision limited to the immediate.
Confined within the pressures of my day
problems press in,
expand,
prevent the recognition
that we both desire.
I find it hard to look beyond the obvious,
my mind so sealed
it almost breaks imagination's fingernails
to prise it open
to the wonder of your presence.

Yet you still walk with me,
each step a revelation of your love,
a gentle leading on
to boundaries of understanding
I've not yet crossed.
Have patience, Lord.
Help me see
your hand at work
shaping my life,
and make your nearness a delight
that turns my mourning into joy."

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Nostalgia

Have you ever caught yourself dreaming of the 'old days', when life seemed a lot more simple and a great deal less stressful? I think nostalgia is a natural thing for all of us, and remarkably time seems to blur the searing pain of our traumatic memories. I guess the trouble with nostalgia is if we end up getting 'stuck' in the past - we are then not free to embrace the opportunities of our present circumstances. 

If we take a look at the example of Disciples for a moment - if they had remained stuck in the past (nostalgia), they would have missed the chance to change the future. Jesus had been preparing them for some amazing adventures in the future, which they would have completely missed if their heads had remained turned to the past.

Luke 24:18-24 - "One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

“What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

May the Spirit of Christ help us to look to the future with renewed hope and a thankfulness for the lessons of the past. 

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Transformed to help others

"Transformation in the world happens when people are healed and start investing in other people." - Michael W. Smith

I couldn't help but think of the early disciples when I read this quote. The Resurrection was the ultimate healing moment in their lives. As they came to terms with Jesus' Resurrection they allowed their healing to transform the people around them. Wouldn't it be incredible if we allowed the Risen Lord to heal us and then to equip us to transform our communities? 

John 20:17-18 - "Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her."

In my opinion, true transformation will involve a natural desire to tell others of what has changed in your own life.

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28 - Between fear and joy

It struck me today how close together the emotions of 'fear' and 'joy' are. For Mary and the disciples this was their reality on that first Easter experience:

"...afraid yet filled with joy"

There is so much to ponder in these 5 words....
 
It is fear that brings us to our knees and leaves us tempted to run away. 
It is fear that drives away our hope and dreams.
Fear builds and builds until we find ourselves entrapped in our darkest moments.
Fear threatens to dissolve all of our will to live. 

And yet...
In one historic moment all of our fears are surrounded by a Voice. 
And as that Voice speaks, it says: Don't let this fear overwhelm you.

"Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." (Matthew 28:5-6)

As the chains of fear crumble around our feet, we comprehend a liberation like no other. The Voice catches us by surprise and the darkness of fear, which once threatened to crush the living breath out of our souls, is replaced with a brilliant Light. 

Light gives birth to sight.
Sight reveals an empty tomb.
And the open grave echoes with Joy.

Reflection: 
"May the Joy of Christ's Resurrection transform your fear into indescribable peace and hope."

Living in Grace
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A Valley of Dry Bones - Lent 37

Arguably one of the most well known passages from Ezekiel is chapter 37. We have heard sermons preached on this topic and it is one of the more hopeful messages of Ezekiel. The promise of God bringing the dry bones of a nation back to life is remarkable. Reading these words in Holy Week we find that it is another glimpse of the miracle of the Resurrection. With God all things are possible and God has the ability to raise an army, even from the dry bones buried underground.

¹¹ Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ ¹² Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. ¹³ Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. ¹⁴ I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’” - Ezekiel 37

Thought: Do you see a connection between this vision and the events of Holy Week? Does it offer you hope for some of the difficulties you are facing in your life at the moment?


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Don't delight in the downfall of others

 

The fifth message from Ezekiel goes out to the city of Tyre and it is another message of rebuke. God has seen that Tyre took delight in the destruction of Jerusalem and this displeased him. The real reason behind Tyre's celebration of Israel's desolation is that now they would gain more wealth. In a sense, Tyre was revelling in the poor fortune of God's people.

“Son of man, Tyre has rejoiced over the fall of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Ha! She who was the gateway to the rich trade routes to the east has been broken, and I am the heir! Because she has been made desolate, I will become wealthy!’ - Ezekiel 26:2

As the prophet Micah said, we should not gloat in the bad fortunes of others, because we never know how things will turn out in the end.

"Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light." - Micah 7:8

Remember that Jesus' enemies gloated over his demise on the Cross and look what happened in the end. God always has the last laugh.

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Resurrection blessing

If I asked you if you knew what the Resurrection Blessing was, what would your answer be?
Do you know what it is? Yes? No?

Even if you haven't heard of it put in this way before, the Resurrection Blessing refers to these incredible words of Jesus...

"Peace be with you."

They are 4 simple words, that carry a huge amount of blessing. I believe that these words changed the lives of the disciples and they can change ours too.

PEACE
BE
WITH
YOU

John 20:19 - [Jesus Appears to His Disciples ] That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said.

John 20:21 - Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”

 

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