Easter Sunday has just passed. Things have changed around my town. There's not much school left for the children for this year. The lawns are drinking in the water and looking much fresher with new manicures. People strolling or biking down the city pathways or the Riverfront Trail have white legs showing hoping for the kiss of the sun. New grass is peaking through freshly groomed dirt. The sun is calling the seeds awake and daring them to face the warmth of daylight. There's an extra sense of optimism in the air when Spring shows itself.
The disciples must have had an extra sense of optimism as they awoke the second day after the empty tomb discovery. Thomas' faith had been restored. When John wrote his story of Jesus' life on Earth, He wanted people to believe - not just know about Jesus, but honestly believe that He was the Son of God. Almost every part of John's story reveals his heart to have people believe the truth about Jesus. From the very first chapter, John wanted people to know that to all who believed, Jesus would give them the authority to become children of God. In John 20:21, a concluding statement recounts "But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through His name." Each disciple had a story to tell of their life from unbelief to disbelief and on to belief.
Have you ever met someone for whom Jesus has become very real and a complete life changer? I once knew a person who said they wouldn't believe in anything they couldn't see. They did the proverbial fist pump in the air saying they could take care of themselves. They found their life took a variety of turns. This person was pretty talented and had visions of grandeur. One day, they had to go out in the real world where it took grit to survive. They found out they weren't as great as they thought. In fact, few people even cared. They tried some numbing flings but really found out those were only temporary. They remembered some correspondence from a family member who just kept loving them no matter how they avoided talking about God. The family member let the person live with them and experience what a godly life is like. The person wondered why a life following Jesus seemed so inviting. The people who followed Jesus seemed wonderful to know. One day, the person made a choice to follow Jesus. The family member spent hours answering questions and telling more about Jesus. The person's life began to change. The family member discipled the person until now the person disciples others, but never forgot what the family member did for them. You know anyone with this sort of story of unbelief, disbelief and then, belief?
It might be good today to recall your "resurrection story". How did you come to believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God? Who knows your story and how has it impacted those you know?
Father, thank you for disciples like John who just kept challenging his readers to believe. Jesus wanted His disciples to walk in resurrection belief. He wanted them empowered and ready with a story of faith. Sometimes, my life is so full of busy that I hardly remember that I believe. It's not like I lose my faith, but it is as though it was not at the forefront of who I am. Whisper in my ear when I can let resurrection belief be known in my sphere of influence. Help me see You at work . . .
No comments:
Post a Comment