From Despair to Understanding - Luke 24:13-35 - Third Week of Easter

 

Luke 24:13-35 NIV

³ Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. ¹⁴ They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. ¹⁵ As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; ¹⁶ but they were kept from recognizing him.

¹⁷ He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. ¹⁸ 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?”

¹⁹ “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. ²⁰ The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; ²¹ 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. ²² In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning ²³ but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. ²⁴ Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

²⁵ He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! ²⁶ Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” ²⁷ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

²⁸ As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. ²⁹ But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

³⁰ When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. ³¹ Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. ³² They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

³³ They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together ³⁴ and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” ³⁵ Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

From Despair to Understanding

Once you overcome your doubt in the facts and evidence of the resurrection of Jesus, repent, turn to God and come together. Jesus really meant it when He forgave people from that cross. So, let that doubt drop. Let that doubt go, because God has a New Life in store for you beyond anything you could ever comprehend or believe on your own. God WANTS you to be His, now and forever.

Save me, Lord Jesus! I need you to walk with me each and every day of my life. Save me!

Jesus, chosen before the beginning of the world, has come. Jesus has come to us and saved us. Jesus came physically and saved spiritually. Live life in this glory knowing that all has already been completed. You are forgiven; the work of God gives you new life to live with Him forever. Now, believe and be obedient to God’s will and God’s way in your life as you live it out in this physical realm, ready to join Him in the eternal realm spiritually and eventually physically once again. All in what God has done, not by any of your works at all.

On Easter Sunday, a couple of Jesus’ disciples, outside of the 12 Disciples, were on the road to Emmaus. The exact location of this town is a little up in the air, but it was probably northwest of Jerusalem about seven miles away.

In some ways, this walk is not about physical distance or direction. This walk turns into a gift of faith to some disciples, sort of like you and me, in our walks of life. Once again, as they walk, and as we walk in our own lives; Jesus comes to us, sometimes it seems, out of nowhere.

We stumble through life confused and without much direction. We stumble in fear and anguish about the happenings of the day. We stumble through life, yet, Jesus comes to us in our doubts, our confusion, and our fear.

Jesus recognizes our state of fear and confusion and He understands. How? He knows first hand what it’s like to be human. So, Jesus comes to us to lead us from all of this to faith in Him, and the forgiveness He freely gives, so that, we may live with Him in His Kingdom forever, as we come to believe in all that He has done.

When I walk with someone, we talk to each other. We walk and talk about life. So, these disciples were walking and talking as well. They were talking about current events. They were talking about the very, current events of that day. They were talking about what had happened to Jesus just the past few days, and they were talking about witness accounts of other disciples on that Sunday.

It’s important, as disciples, that we talk to one another. It’s important, as disciples, that we come together and discuss the events of the day, and the events of our faith. That’s why going to church is so vital. It’s important to witness to one another in faith, and it’s important to come to church and witness God coming to you.

How’s that? We come together in union with God and one another, and God comes to us in Word and Sacrament. That’s a big deal! That’s a big reason to go to church. That’s a big reason, why we should gather physically in one place. The internet, YouTube and such things are one thing, but they DO NOT replace our gathering together, physically in one place. Don’t take that lightly! We walk with one another by faith in the Light of Jesus.

As we walk together, guess who shows up? Jesus! Jesus always comes to us. He came down from heaven to us, and He comes to us as we stumble along in our individual and corporate life paths. Jesus comes to us and gives us faith and proof that God wants us to be His own.

And you know what? Sometimes we just don’t see Him, we just don’t get Him, we just remain confused and dazed by what this world is doing to us and through us. Sometimes we’re just blind and deaf to Jesus.

And as Jesus comes to us, so come the questions that help us to open our eyes to His presence. Jesus is a wonderful teacher. He draws you in and makes His presence clear. But first, we have to think about it.

And Jesus cares about what is going on. He wants to join in on the conversation in a compassionate way. It’s funny though, I can understand Cleopas; how could Jesus not have heard what was going on today? But that’s not the point of Jesus’ question and His joining in on the conversation.

At first glance when I read the question of Jesus, “What things?”, it causes me to think, really? But Jesus has all along in His ministry of teaching brought people to deeper spiritual meanings through questions. It’s like God wants to hear from us, so that we will internalize the Gospel and bring Himself into our lives. So, I kind of love the question. I love how it makes you recite what has happened, and I love even more how Jesus teaches.

Now as these disciples verbally express what has happened these past few days, they are drawn in to see how God is active, even in and through the sinful action of men, to unfold His redemptive power beyond sin and death. When I see my sin, out in front of me, the stinking sin of my life, I come to realize that I need a Savior. And to think here, on this road, with these disciples, not only do they profess the sin of man during the crucifixion, they see Jesus and the Gospel before their eyes as well. But they don’t quite understand… not quite yet.

And in this they acknowledge the hope they have in what God has done, as they tell of what the women had testified to about an empty tomb, on the third day. I wonder if Jesus was thinking, sure, go on… go on… tell the story! Witness to all the world what God has done through Me!

And then, Jesus teaches and challenges. Do you believe? Do you dare to believe? See here what has been told all along, from the beginning, through the prophets in your Bible, to this very day. Take a look. Look and see here!

Jesus had to suffer to fulfill the prophecy of ages past. And yet after this suffering, he rose again, to ascend back into heaven, having completed the salvation for all believers, who are forgiven through and by His actions of love and compassion, all thought out before creation. That’s a tough thing to grasp. Ponder that with a thankful heart.

And yet, believers too, will share in this suffering of Jesus. We will not only share in the suffering; we will also share in the resurrection. That there IS great HOPE!

And then Jesus teaches. Oh, how I wish I could have been there. Jesus teaches everything about Himself throughout all Scripture. But, yet again, I am also there as well. All of Scripture, God’s Word has been left for believers, even this day to see, to read, to ponder, to feed from.

Listen! Open your Bibles folks! Read! You will meet God. Go to church! Listen to the spoken Word from the Pastor or Priest. Sit in Sunday School! Talk about this Word of God, with and to and through fellow believers. Share your testimonies with one another about how God comes to you, saves you, forgives you, calls you, and the actions that God has developed in you to praise and honor Him in your daily living. Be obedient to God and give Him all thanks and praise.

Yes, even today, Jesus is explaining to you, all that the Scriptures say about Himself.

As we follow Jesus, pointing to Him all of our lives; we see how He is going further down the road, and yet, He is willing to pause with us to be with us, to love us and teach us, and to forgive our sinfulness, so that He IS WITH us, always.

And when we beg Him to stay? He comes with us. That’s so comforting!

Jesus pauses to break bread with us, and to show Himself to us, both in person, one-on-one, and in the fellowship of all believers. Jesus takes time out. Wow! The Savior from before the world began, pauses to be with us individually and together. How can that be?

Like the Artemis astronaut looking back on earth, we must pause and give thanks to a God that would come to us, a tiny dot in space, to a small group of disciples, to a unique person created by God, to spend time with us in food and conversation together. Amazing! 

And as soon as we recognize Jesus among us… He’s gone! Going ahead of us to prepare something even more amazing. What love is this? As soon as this physical Jesus helps us to realize our own unique spiritual awakening, He goes. Yes, He goes ahead in full knowledge that there will be more. That the Holy Spirit will come to lead and guide us in this earthly, physical realm to, see Jesus again.

If that doesn’t dig into your heart, nothing else will. Talking about hearts burning within believers. This resurrection was real and is NOW.

So, GO! Go and tell your fellow disciples how Jesus comes to you. Go and listen to your fellow disciples tell how they have met Jesus! Talk it over. Amaze over Jesus coming to you, right now. Don’t wait for Sunday… do this every day of the week.

And don’t stop there. Be bold to confess your belief in Jesus, suffering, death, resurrection and ascension. Spread the Gospel of God’s love for all of His people. For sure, tell your family and friends, but go on a step further when you have a chance to tell people outside of your daily circle. Speak, write, pray, and show your love and compassion for all those around you in need of any kind. This is Jesus actions. God calls you to bear fruit. You may not know what fruit you are called to bear, that doesn’t matter, the fruit will grow because of God’s action, not yours anyway. And when you bear fruit, it may just be, like an olive; for that fruit to be of use, you may be crushed and ground and milled so fine that rich olive oil will be used to the glory of God. Like a grape, God may have you tread upon and squeezed in such a way that wine is produced. All of this, you can expect. But guess what? In all of that, you will be obedient to the call of God to go forth and spread the Gospel far and wide for all people to hear. And that’s just fine, with me.

When you open the Word, pay attention. When you hear the Word spoken from the priest or pastor, pay attention. When Jesus breaks bread with you, pay attention. When Jesus comes to you, pay attention, open your eyes and hear how God came to save the world through His very own Son, in a plan that existed even before creation. God knows you and me, intimately and loves us still.

Thanks be to God, that He comes to us, walks with us, dines with us, and draws us from despair to understanding… today… tomorrow… and forever.

I invite you to enjoy this YouTube Music Video that spoke to my this past week…

“Jesus Walked With Me”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gj9TAG7b2wg&list=RDGj9TAG7b2wg&start_radio=1

Do You Dare Believe? - John 20:19-31 - Second Week after Easter

 John 20:19-31 NIV

¹⁹ On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁰ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

²¹ Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” ²² And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

²⁴ Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. ²⁵ So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

²⁶ A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

²⁸ Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

²⁹ Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

³⁰ Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. ³¹ But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

 

 

Do You Dare Believe?

Are you convinced enough to believe the resurrection story? Are you willing to suffer for belief in the truth of the resurrection story? Are you willing to go beyond the story of it all and declare the truth of the resurrection? Think deep and hard about that. Look at the proof before your eyes. Hear the words of generations of witnesses before you. Make up your mind! True belief in the resurrection of Jesus will cost you your life. One way or another, if you believe, you will die.

Last week I heard one of the astronauts in space, as they were looking back at the earth and travelling to circle the moon, speak about how, even with the distance from the earth, he felt a unity with creation. That’s my huge paraphrase of what I thought I heard. Anyway, it made me think of how God created this universe and gave each of us a home to dwell in. God gives us all we need to live. Everything we need to live in His creation and with Him in His Kingdom, forever. And with that in mind, just a week after we celebrated the resurrection from the dead, of Jesus; how can I NOT praise God for all He has done?

Yea, well, I’ve not seen Jesus in the flesh and blood of which He came into this world thousands of years ago, however, I love Him. I’ve seen and read and heard so much about Jesus that I can’t help but to know Him, and believe that what He did is the real deal. Doesn’t make sense, does it? But, for me, I’ve got more than enough proof to last my lifetime; to know that what God has done in and through Jesus is real.

The disciples had good reason to be afraid. The disciples had not only run in the face of Jesus persecution, suffering and death; they were also targets of elimination just as Jesus was killed. Would they believe the women that they had seen Jesus? Would they go that far? Humanly I think we all can understand the fear. Life was going to change in profound ways for all of the disciples… one way or another.

Yet, as they gathered together, it’s like the first Sunday evening service of the church in some way. They gathered with much in common. They gathered in fear, probably doubt, and most likely confusion for what the future may hold. But they gathered, like a Sunday evening church gathering today.

And Jesus graces these disciples with His miraculous presence. Jesus shows Himself, without a doubt, to the disciples as risen from the dead. It’s amazing how Jesus came to them through a locked door. Did this mean that at some moment in time, Jesus had melded together the physical and the spiritual realms of being? Was Jesus, at some time, like one with the wood of the door? Was Jesus like bread and wine together with body and blood, all one. Was this a time of physical and spiritual presence all wrapped into one? Maybe… perhaps… but the fact is… here is Jesus… alive and risen from the dead, for all His disciples hiding behind a closed door to see. Jesus, right there in flesh and blood for all to see.

And the disciples were happy! Remembering what Jesus had told them earlier…

John 16:22 NIV

²² So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

 

Talk about happy. What a change in emotion. From great fear to great joy. What a relief!

 

The resurrection is without a doubt the real deal. This is Jesus THE Messiah. And not only some made up story, some exaggeration, some trick of the mind; there right in front of their eyes, in flesh and blood, is Jesus. You can see Him, you can touch Him. This IS real!

 

And Jesus brings them peace. But there seems to be a twist in this peace. We now know that Jesus IS the Messiah, sent by the Father, but… but… what’s that He said again?

 

What’s this business about being sent, sort of like He was sent into the world? What does this mean?

 

Yet, first, Jesus breathes the breath of God upon the disciples. That breath of life. The Holy Spirit is given to his disciples. What does this mean?

 

Did the disciples recall some past prophetic teachings?

 

Joel 2:28-29 NIV

²⁸ “And afterward,
    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
    your old men will dream dreams,
    your young men will see visions.
²⁹ Even on my servants, both men and women,
    I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

 

Is this that Spirit? Is this the prophecy fulfilled today?

 

Are we the sons and daughters, sent out?

 

Perhaps this is the day of a New Creation Story?

 

We heard Jesus forgive those people who had killed Him from the cross. So, what’s this stuff about us forgiving people? Boy oh boy, this just may be a really tall order to be obedient to uphold. How can we forgive these people?

 

And to think, that now Jesus gives us the authority to forgive! What’s that about?

 

Is forgiveness part of this Gospel lesson that Jesus has proclaimed to all the world. Even to those who killed Him?

 

So many questions. Joy, filled with questions and concerns of just what God has gotten us into abound for Jesus’ disciples. Even for us this present day and time!

Thomas wasn’t there with his disciple friends on the evening when Jesus appeared to them. Thomas wasn’t there to see Jesus alive and risen from the dead that Sunday evening. And neither was I. We give Thomas a bad rap when we declare him to be a doubting man, at least in my opinion. After all this same Thomas was the one willing to die with, and for, Jesus. Remember? Just a couple of weeks ago, when we were looking at Jesus raising Lazarus, when Jesus had just almost been killed by the people of Jerusalem, and now Jesus was ready to go back, just a couple of miles away from Jerusalem, to Lazarus’s home. Thomas was bold enough to want to go with Jesus and declare to his fellow disciples…

John 11:16 NIV

¹⁶ Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

 

I think we tend to forget this passion that Thomas had for Jesus.

 

Well Thomas hears the testimony of his fellow disciples about how they have seen Jesus! He is risen! But Thomas wants this experience for himself. Thomas wants the evidence to see and believe. Are we that different? I don’t think so. We want the DNA before we can believe. Yet, how’s that going to work?

 

So, as we listen to fellow disciples of this day testify to Jesus’ resurrection; is it that far of a stretch to not understand how others want a little proof as well, before they believe? Where are the wounds? Where are the scars? Show me some proof! Show me the DNA. Help me believe that what you say is true!

On the next Sunday, after Jesus’ resurrection, He shows up again. The disciples are still hiding in fear of all that may be happening to anyone who believes that Jesus has risen. And Jesus does it again; He moves through the physical realm of a locked door to the spiritual realm of coming to the disciples. And He comes in, to offer peace.

Doesn’t this cause you to think of worship gatherings on Sunday? Jesus comes to us in Word and Sacrament and offers His peace. Sure, we gather together, but Jesus comes to us. How great is that? Seems like God has been coming to His people all along. Do we notice this, or are we too busy being entertained by coffee, music and inspirational speeches?

And next, Jesus offers Thomas to touch Him. It’s a physical thing. Jesus comes to Thomas in his physical world and seeks Thomas’ touch of Jesus’ physical body.

Sunday, as we gather, Jesus comes to us physically as well. We can touch the Bread and the Wine; we can smell, touch and taste both elements. It’s a physical earthly element that is as real as real can be, yet it gives us a deeply spiritual touch from God as well.

Even in the physical waters of Baptism, that water is real stuff, yet with God’s Word and promise He gives us something deeply spiritual in His Spirit. The water and word combine to new life in God as He claims us as His own forever.

So, it’s really cool that Thomas is given the opportunity to touch and feel the wounds of Jesus.

And now Thomas knows that the resurrection is for real! He has seen God and touched Him and worships Him in no doubt whatsoever.

How I so look to today to sing, along with all the Host of Heaven and praise God as One…

Revelation 4:11 NIV

¹¹ “You are worthy, our Lord and God,
    to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
    and by your will they were created
    and have their being.”

 

And that’s not a future song… No! It’s a song for today… Like right here and right now… Go ahead and sing!

Some disciples have the opportunity to believe based on sight. Like the disciples at the time of Jesus presence with them in this passage of Scripture. But there are other of us disciples that come to believe through the trust of the accounts of witnesses. Or even the trust in what has been heard throughout time about Jesus’ resurrection. Both are legitimate paths to come to believe in Jesus’ resurrection. Both a legitimate and should not be in doubt. In either case, physical sight, or spiritual trust, as disciples, we can expect scrutiny from this world. Expect it, but don’t let that scrutiny deny your true belief in what God has done. For we live by faith. Go back in your devotional time and take a look at Hebrews chapter 11. All through time God’s people have been given the gift of faith in God, and it’s through this gift of faith that we come to believe in all the God has done to gather us back to Him through Him.

In this faith we have been given, we are fortunate to have written accounts of what God has done through Jesus, even after His resurrection from the dead, and beyond, to even today. All actions of God that lead us into communion with Him and one another into eternity. That’s so great! My puny words fail to express how great that is…

And why did all of these witnesses testify to Jesus’ life? So that we may believe! So that we may have life in Jesus’ name. Wow!

So, how could you NOT dare to believe?

As an astronaut looks back on the earth from miles away, in the deep depth of space, he sees a world. A world from which he has been separated, yet he feels a communion. A communion with the earth, with people, with God and with the universe. He sees and believes in a unity with mankind. And to think, all this we see, all this the astronaut can observe, are physical. Yet the feelings he has is spiritual. Pause and consider that all of this is NOT the finality of it all. Jesus WILL come again, to raise to NEW LIFE all those who believe, to be with Him forever and ever in a NEW, perfect creation, without the stain of my sin, to live with Him and all believers forever and ever. How can this be? Only through God. Only through God’s forgiveness, grace, and love, which He freely gives to all who accept the gift of faith and believe in Him… today… tomorrow… and forever.

How could you NOT dare to believe?

Thanks be to God!

I leave you with this YouTube Music Video. I must admit… this one got to me… enjoy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzT26YVEr24&list=RDQzT26YVEr24&start_radio=1

Now I Have Told You - Matthew 28:1-10 - Resurrection of Our Lord

 

Matthew 28:1-10 NIV

28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

² There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. ³ His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. ⁴ The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

⁵ The angel said to the women, “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. Come and see the place where he lay. ⁷ Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

⁸ So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. ⁹ Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. ¹⁰ Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Now I Have Told You

You know what? As many disciples and witnesses that have seen the risen Jesus, and as the disciples have been commanded to proclaim the Gospel and to testify that Jesus is the one who God appointed as judge of the living and the dead, and as the prophets told about everyone who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness of sins through Jesus; we too, today are likewise commanded, by extension, to witness to Jesus resurrection and gift of life, in and through all that He has done. And that’s for, and to, ALL people. No favoritism or privilege… ALL means ALL.

May I always keep my eyes on Jesus, my Lord, my Savior.

And there it is. What Jesus has been teaching all along. Set your minds on above. Don’t get caught up in the desires of the flesh and this world. Set your minds on things that are above, not earthly things.

These women, Mary Magdelene, and likely Mary the mother of James and John, were without a doubt faithful disciples of Jesus. They got up first thing on Sunday and went to the tomb of Jesus. This shows deep love and devotion. They came to seek Jesus, after the Sabbath rest, and now the Sunday that would from here on out be called the “Lord’s Day.” This is the day of the firstfruits of those who have died.

1 Corinthians 15:20 NIV

²⁰ But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

 

We now witness the morning of a New Creation. We witness the Resurrection. We witness a hope that God has given to ALL people. Something BIG, something NEW is here and now, even to this day.

An earthquake here is a significant event. God is active in the physical realm with spiritual action. Just look. An angel, a messenger is sent to the tomb, doing a physical activity like rolling the stone away from the tomb. It’s kind of like when the Temple Curtain was torn at Jesus crucifixion, that is this rolling of the stone. At the tearing of the curtain, God opened the Holy of Holies to Himself and all humankind. Jesus had defeated sin on that cross. Where here too, God rolls away the stone through the action of the angel and the tomb is now open. Now death is defeated by the resurrection of God and new life is open to all people who believe what God has done. God reveals His love on the cross and opens the Holy of Holies to His creation, and God reveals His love at the tomb and opens death to new life in Him.

And the action of this angel of God makes him appear bright as lightning. Does this remind you of the Transfiguration Story?

When we had a solar eclipse a couple of years ago, I remember having to use special glasses to watch it because of the brightness of the sun. I suspect this light was much brighter. I suspect this was possibly an example of the Light of Christ. Light so bright that we can’t stand to look at it with our human eyes.

So, the guards who were sent to secure and guard Jesus’ tomb, fell in fear. This is something that obviously reveals an action of God. Yet this was just the angels! Think of how bright the Light of God in Jesus would be! It’s no wonder that these guards became like dead men. The contrast between light and Light was too great to behold. This IS the power of God!

The angel knows what’s going on here. The angel knows that the women are looking for Jesus. So what? Well, He’s not there. It happened! It happened just like Jesus said it would.

Come and take a peek at where Jesus was laid in the tomb. See? He’s gone!

See, I have told you! Jesus has risen from the dead. Now run and go and tell. Tell the world. Yep, that’s a running and telling for all the disciples throughout all time. Run and tell the world, from your friends, family and all people, run and tell that Jesus has risen from the dead!

Now in these women the Kingdom of God is evident. In the physical fear and in the spiritual fear. Something is new here. A physical fear must be evident, in my way of thinking, when we see the power of God in the beauty and brightness of the Angel Messenger. And also, the spiritual fear, this is something a bit different. It’s a fear of seeing something beyond this physical world, or this physical kingdom that permits humans to peer into the Kingdom of God, here physically and eternally with God.

Even in the face of physical fear, these women bear the fruit of spiritual faith to run and tell of the message of the empty tomb, the message of the angel, the message of God’s power over death.

And that’s when it happens! Jesus comes to the women! Jesus comes to us, in His resurrected body to prove, without a doubt, that He IS the Savior, of not only the physical but the spiritual as well. Jesus is the Kingdom of God. It’s through what God has done in and through the flesh and blood of Jesus that the Kingdom of God comes to us, forgives us, saves us, and leads us into a resurrection of New life in Him forever and ever.

God has come to us. Yes, God comes to us, in the flesh and blood of a baby. And God comes to us as a risen Saviour, even as we are running to tell the world what we have witnessed. God comes to us and we run to witness what God has done in our lives.

What’s the response? To fall at the feet of our Savior and worship Him. To fall at the feet of Jesus and seek union with him in time now and eternity forever. We owe all to God, and respond to His love with love for Him.

And Jesus gives us something to do next. We want, so badly to do something, anything, for what God has done for us, and Jesus gives us that something to do. Jesus gives us a way to be obedient to Him and to God throughout time. Go and tell what you see! Go and tell what you feel! Witness to Jesus resurrection to all people. Go and tell, what the angel told you, Jesus has risen! Death no longer holds power over flesh and blood.

It’s time we put behind us all of our attempts to fulfill our salvation, through earthly kingdoms, power, riches, military might and strength. We can’t save ourselves. Look at what has happened throughout history, powers and kingdoms come and go. When a mighty kingdom does rise to power, greed, and might, always lose out and is replaced by more of the same. That’s that physical realm that Jesus has been teaching us about. Our physical realm leads to death. Our physical realm of life leads to defeat. We can’t beat this stuff on our own. And when we think we can, by using riches, power, and strength, it always fails. So, what’s all of this to do with the Resurrection of our Lord?

Jesus came into our physical realm of being. He didn’t come in as the rich, powerful, almighty person that this physical world was seeking. He didn’t come into this world to confirm the rich, the powerful and the mighty.

Jesus came into this physical realm meek, hungry, and hard working. Jesus came into this world to the persecuted, the homeless, the poor, the hungry, the ill, the powerless. Jesus also came to boldly tell the rich, the powerful, the mighty and the nations that lord over all others their might; that this world is not what you think it is. This world is a stopping place, a place to learn to love one another, especially the poor, the hungry, the migrant, the ill. This physical world is an in-between place where the REAL thing is the spiritual world of the Kingdom of God. Jesus came to fulfill all of this for us, so that we, who believe and depend on Him can live with Him into eternity. Jesus defeated sin at the cross and forgave. Jesus defeated death in the tomb and rose again. Why?

To lead us into His Kingdom into eternity, so that in His New World to come He might raise us to life in Him, with Him in eternity.

Nope! We can’t save ourself. We can’t defeat sin ourself. We can’t come to a resurrection on our own, not by wealth, not by power, not through earthly kingdoms that come and go. Rather only through the gift God gave to us through the forgiveness of sin from the cross of Jesus. Through Jesus releasing us from the power of sin, here and now and then forever. Through Jesus defeat of death, as we recall this glorious day when He rose from death. Death has lost its sting. Lost its sting because of what God has done for His children through Jesus’ actions.

Now I Have Told You…

It’s time we go and tell the world!

The time is now, to get it straight. We only live through the Actions of Jesus… today… tomorrow… and forever… Amen

Enjoy this YouTube Music Video that Celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus

Christ the Lord Is Risen Today

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNrV2fX5Qb4&list=RDxNrV2fX5Qb4&start_radio=1

Look! - John 12:12-19 - The Celebration of Palm Sunday

 

John 12:12-19 NIV

¹² The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. ¹³ They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Blessed is the king of Israel!”

¹⁴ Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written:

¹⁵ “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;
    see, your king is coming,
    seated on a donkey’s colt.”

¹⁶ At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.

¹⁷ Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. ¹⁸ Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. ¹⁹ So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”

Look!

Jesus, following the Father’s plan of salvation, sets his face “like flint,” to ride on in majesty to His rejection, suffering, death, resurrection and ascension. It was a tough and hard plan to carry out, but out of love, and for our sake; Jesus rode into His passion. Thank you, Lord Jesus!

Yes, Jesus! You ARE my God!

Draw me away from my selfish pride. From pride that exalts myself over and above my neighbor. Teach and give me a humble heart to serve and love You and my neighbor always.

Do we really expect Jesus to return to this earth? Or do we just like to live in the here and now and ignore the idea that Jesus will return again? Many people either don’t believe this will happen or choose to deny the possibility that Jesus’ return could happen at any time. This thinking even invades the minds of those who claim Christianity. It’s not a serious thought. Or is it? Should it be? Do present day disciples yearn for Jesus’ return, like right now? Or are we too involved with present day desires and life? These questions pop into my mind quite often. For me? I want Jesus to return right this moment, if that is God’s plan. If not, then may God keep me ready and prepared and willing to act out in His love for all the world around me. But, that’s a tall order. Why? Because I fail all the time. So, I ask God to help and guide me along the way.

Here in this passage the Jews had heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. Jesus had just been to the home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary. This was a dinner to honor Jesus. Mary, even anointed Jesus’ feet with some expensive ointment that was perfumed beautifully. Well, a crowd figured out Jesus was there and gathered to see Jesus and Lazarus, whom Jesus has just raised from the dead. Talk about a different kind of “stink!” The chief priests were none too happy with this gathering. People were beginning to put their faith in Jesus.

So, now a large crowd had come together for the Feast of the Passover. They had heard that Jesus was on his way from Bethany to Jerusalem. This distance was only a couple of miles. Jesus coming to Jerusalem, now, since His ministry was widespread and famous, was a big deal. Jesus is coming! They welcomed Jesus with honor and glory shouting Hosanna! In other words, they were shouting for Jesus to save them.

Well, hmmm… Sometimes, even today, perhaps we shout for Jesus’ return to save us from ourselves. But, is that a selfish ambition? Sure, Jesus comes to save us from ourselves, but why? Does Jesus save us because He wants to meet our demands? Does Jesus save us out of His pity? Why does God want to save us, and why do we think we deserve to be saved?

It’s one thing to worship God… It’s one thing to honor Jesus… but it’s also another thing to do this out of selfish wants and desires. So, what’s behind this praise and worship, yesterday and today? What’s behind this Palm Sunday event? Are we perhaps the focus of this event? Or is God the focus of this Palm Sunday return, or even Jesus’ return as we wait for Him today?

Ponder these words from John as he writes from the island of Patmos…

Revelation 7:9-10 NIV

⁹ After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. ¹⁰ And they cried out in a loud voice:

“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”

 

Salvation belongs to God…

You see, it’s not about you or me. It’s about God and what God wants and desires. This is God in action and at work for His desires. Sure, it may fulfill my wants and needs, but this is God’s action, not mine. This is God’s victory! This is God’s Palm Sunday, as all Palm Sundays belong to God.

Jesus chooses a donkey? Why not a powerful horse? A donkey exudes arriving in peace. A horse proclaims power and might. Isn’t Jesus to be a powerful King? A king that will defeat all of the enemies of the Roman Empire. A king that will take control of the religious leaders and set things straight. But here Jesus comes in peace on a donkey. Just how is this kind of king going to help me out. The poor and over-worked people of that day and of this day too, already know humility. We don’t need peace! We need power and strength and might! But here Jesus is, coming in peace on a donkey. Sure, let’s offer praise and thanks. Afterall, look at what Jesus has already done in His ministry. Look at His teachings. Look at His healings. It’s all evidence that Jesus is in position to make things right for me and for you. It’s all evidence that Jesus is here to meet our wants and desires, and to raise us up out of poverty and hard work and illness. Didn’t Jesus arrive to meet our needs? Isn’t that what a Messiah is supposed to do?

We are not to be afraid. Haven’t we heard this theme of “no fear” so many times before? We especially hear the angels sent by God, proclaiming a significant event where God meets us with a message, to not fear. Honestly, as Jesus arrives in peace on a donkey, I’m a bit afraid. I’m a bit afraid that this approach by God in the face of the powerful Roman government and the soldiers nearby, just won’t work at all. I’m afraid that this is going to result in failure. This seems to be a very humble statement, or prophecy for the arrival of a king for all eternity. In my humanness, I just don’t get it. I just don’t think this is going to fly!

Jesus has been teaching us these past several weeks about the physical world verses the spiritual world and how they interact. Maybe the word Kingdom would be a better choice here than world. As I witness Jesus’ riding into Jerusalem, humble and on a donkey, I can’t help but to think of the physical aspect of what is happening. Perhaps the response, unbeknownst to the people is a spiritual response. And yet maybe also a physical response to what the people deem as their wants and desires for Jesus’ rule in the world. As I reflect upon what is about to take place in Jesus’ life and mission, I must realize the absolute physical realm of humanity that Jesus is about to endure. Physical in that He WILL suffer, He WILL die on a cross. He WILL be placed in a tomb. That’s about as physical as one can get! Yet, Jesus leads me on to see the spiritual side of this also. Even though I desire a physical answer to the problems of my life and this world, Jesus’ ultimate mission is leading me towards His spiritual Kingdom of God. That’s way beyond what I expect, or probably what any of the people praising Jesus as He enters Jerusalem expect. So, yea, Jesus is once again teaching and leading us from this physical world, to the spiritual Kingdom of God throughout eternity. But we need both the physical and the spiritual Kingdoms together in Jesus.

So, what about you and me? Do we see what Jesus has done, the miracles He has performed and testify to the world? Do we run to the parade to see Jesus? Why?

If our testimony is of God, then we run to the parade, not because of His miracles, no. Not to testify what Jesus can do for us. Why not?

Its’s the action of God in Jesus through miracles that reveal to each one of us the glory of God. We are called to something deeper than this physical realm, the physical Kingdom of God. We are called and given a deeper faith. We seek Jesus at the parade because God points to Jesus as THE Messiah. So, we are called to witness to what Jesus has done in our lives and to proclaim the Good News of God’s Action through Jesus.

So, here and all of our life we run out and testify. We testify what God has done, “Pointing to Jesus” all lifelong.

And it’s this testimony of what God is doing through Jesus that terrifies the Pharisees of Jesus day. And that testimony terrifies the rulers of this day as well. This parade is not about God meeting the needs of the people, making them rich, powerful, and strong. This parade is about showing what God’s action will be FOR His children because it’s His choice.

As Jesus faces the harsh reality of this physical realm, this physical world to face persecution, punishment, torture, and a gruesome death; He draws the world into Himself to give us a spiritual realm called the Kingdom of God. Jesus is King of both the physical and the spiritual Kingdom for sure, but He takes on the physical in His very own flesh and blood, to give us His spiritual Kingdom starting here and now, and going on forever into eternity.

So, does this mean, we will have a cakewalk in our testimony? Can we sit in our airconditioned churches with coffee in hand and sing praises to God to like believers? Can we idly sit by and watch the show as the band and the preacher talk on about how great we have it?

I think not. Look at the lives of those who proclaimed the Gospel after Jesus’ Ascension into heaven. All of the Apostles were killed, except for maybe John and he was on an island. Paul wandered about all over the place. But it wasn’t a cruise. It was hard travel and persecution and imprisonment for revealing what God has done through Jesus and the Gospel.

Do you think, as a disciple of Christ that you could likewise be rich and powerful? Do you really think that is what Jesus died for? We are very fortunate in our modern day that we have multiple ways to proclaim the Gospel from within our own comfort zones. But that’s not how the Gospel is spread all over the world. For some, standing up to testify is a danger, possibly leading to death.

But here is the thing, Jesus faces the physical evils of the world, so that, He could offer to all who believe in Him, both a physical and a spiritual Kingdom of God. One that goes beyond what is here and now. Jesus faced into the physical and gifted us with the ability to face the physical world in which we live, in the hope and joy of the sure reality of the Kingdom of God that exists throughout all time and space.

There is coming a new heaven and a new earth, made like the heaven and the earth that was always intended before our selfish pride ruined the earth we live in with sin and death. How did that happen? Well, that was OUR Action. Here in this parade, God IS acting once again. Acting in ways that are hard and maybe impossible for us to understand, but God IS ACTIVE. And in this action of God in the Messiah Jesus, we have all the reason in the Kingdom of God to give praise and adoration and shout enthusiastic HOSANNA! GOD SAVE US! … today… tomorrow… and forever! So, come to the parade; LOOK and see what God has done! Thanks be to God!

I leave you with this YouTube Music Video that I enjoyed listening to this past week…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koMY_04gzag&list=RDkoMY_04gzag&start_radio=1