…because Jesus is alive, we have a living hope. This is not ordinary hope. It is not optimism with a religious veneer. It is a hope the world cannot manufacture or manipulate—
Living Hope
Alive!
It tells us that God is able—able to intervene in human history. It tells us that God cannot be silenced, controlled, ignored, or shut off. Jesus is alive means that God can take our worst and make a wonder, weaving rejection, betrayal, and fear into resurrection, redemption, and reconciliation. Which means God has
Easter Effect
The good news is simple: Jesus is alive. God is trustworthy. Do not lose hope. But after the celebration comes the question: What comes next?
Offer
The Spirit arranges a meeting between Philip, a follower of Jesus, and an Ethiopian. Philip hears him reading a passage from the prophet Isaiah and wonders if he understands.
Revives
“God revives my soul…,” says the psalmist. Meaning, relationship to God through worship, study, prayer, fellowship, service and awe will animate and enliven us.
Look, Touch, Lunch
Jesus said, “Peace be with you,” to his friends after the Resurrection. Their response was terror as if seeing a ghost, doubt and joy. Then Jesus creates peace he commends with three simple moves: look, touch and what’s for lunch?
Easter Gift
Way back in the first chapter of John’s gospel, John gives away the ending of his book, he says “The light shone in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.” That is our Easter gift.
Good Friday
God didn’t need the murder of his son to appease his wrath. But God does know that we don’t really learn deeply until after we have destroyed something precious.