Re: John 20: 19-31
It is not yet Easter, but I got to thinking about the after-effect that Jesus had on the disciples. It took absolute proof of His resurrection to prove to them and motivate them to choose to publicly witness and tell everyone about who Jesus really was.
Today's passage tells us how Jesus appeared among them as the disciples were huddled, fear-filled, in the upper room. They were expecting the "Temple Cops" to break in at any minute and arrest them. Instead, it was the Lord himself who came among them and, in effect, told them to get out and share God's Truth with all they meet. They were assured that "The peace of God, which passes all human understanding, was with them."
At this point in time, Jesus actually founds the Christian church with these words: "As God sent me, so I send you." The community was not to waste time cowering behind closed doors. When we choose to intertwine our destiny with Jesus, are we too not to "Go Out"? Not to seek the uninformed and misinformed and those ignorant of God's ways?
On Sunday morning, after all of the beautiful music is done, when the candles are extinguished, is not the church community supposed to become "Jesus, alive in this society?" We are charged to carry the message of what God is really like, as revealed in the life of our Savior, out to everyone we meet. Just as the disciples chose to do, are we not supposed to choose our destiny as His body on Earth? This is the choice that will shape the rest of your life!
Do you wish to experience chaos or peace in your life? Blessed are those who choose to believe and have faith in Jesus. Their witness to others will bring them God's Peace - unknown to those who choose to live in chaos-flooding into their lives.
Every day we are faced with many choices. Our decisions will affect whether or not others will come to recognize who Jesus really is! Therefore, every day we must pause and not let our thoughtless words or acts dilute our faithful witness. Ask, "Am I choosing a destiny with Jesus?" Or am I deciding to go with the way of the world?
- Hague is an elder at Bethel Linden Presbyterian Church.
