Pastor Danny’s message
He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
Matthew 28:6
HE IS RISEN! ALLELUIA!! THE TOMB IS EMPTY!
Jesus did warn the disciples he would not be staying. I can remember two events that made a difference in my life… my brother moving almost four hours away to Pennsylvania and more recently my best friend moving to Florida!
It was an adjustment to say the least! I went from visiting my brother and his family almost every weekend to seeing them about once a month! I went from seeing my best friend almost every day to only visiting with her about three times since July! But, there is one conclusion I have come to in the transition… our relationship is still as strong as it was before– it just has some changes! We are not comfortable with change and I am sure as the Marys went to visit the grave though they had faith– they were not expecting the sudden change either! The disciples I am sure for as much as Jesus talked about not making his home on Earth— the disciples would still Jesus again. Mary got to see Jesus bright and glowing! The tomb is empty!
We live in a world that demands change— whether we look at this from a moral view or our own personal lives– or I dare say our place in politics! We embrace change in every four years we take on newly elected officials. Some of us embrace change in moving to a new apartment or home. We embrace change at times in our employment!
Jesus chooses after this Easter to return to his disciples– through locked doors no less! “The resurrection story, especially as it is recounted in Matthew’s gospel, makes it clear that resurrection and new life are God’s work.” Jesus makes a promise that He will come again! Jesus makes a promise that the story is not over! Jesus makes a promise that in the transition He will still find His way to meet us where we are!
My conversations with best friend still happen almost daily via phone or facetime! My conversations with my brother and his family have never been deeper! Jesus meets us in the transitions. Jesus meets us when fear overtakes us! I never forget what it felt to hear the news of my family or my best friend, but I also realize how special these relationships are! When we care about someone enough we become intentional about meeting them where they are! Embrace the risen and transformed Christ! AMEN.
-Pastor Danny