Eastertide
April 18, 2021
Scripture Reading:
Luke 24:36b-48
Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. –Luke 24:44-48
The history of God is a cohesive whole recorded by God’s followers as it occurred in the development of cultures, societies, and nations over time. I do not think God would have created beings made in God’s image had God not intended for them to excel when they set their hearts to the right. Jesus’ example tells us that serving God would require a lot of intentional, righteous work. Jesus also assures us that he will be sharing our burdens and strengthening us for that work.
Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it. John 14:12-14
Our challenge as people of faith is discerning what is right and what is just for ourselves and everyone. Such efforts can only be successful if we make an effort to step out of our comfort zones and see the world through the eyes of others.
Prayer: Lord, open us to understanding the lives of all your children, finding our common threads, and seeking to understand our different perspectives while we grow together in the love of God. Amen.
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.