Maundy Thursday
April 18, 2019
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. –1 Corinthians 15:20-23
I end my book Houses Divided with these words:
. . .do we really want to live in a world that functions within the rule of love, God’s love, with God sitting right there, every day, all the time in absolute transparency? Is this the one to whom we really want to be married? If we have spent our lives judging others, deluding ourselves in what is right and is wrong for ourselves, or tearing down others to build ourselves up, I think that when we arrive in heaven we will at least experience some cultural shock and at worst think we are in hell.
Jesus’ way is to start living as a citizen of the nation of God right now and every day forward. I believe if we love God and love our neighbors as we love ourselves, eternity will take care of itself. The last words my mother said to me were, “I want to go home.” Don’t we all?
Going home, going home
I’m just going home
Quiet light, some still day
I’m just going home
It’s not far, just close by
Through an open door
Work all done, care laid by
Going to fear no more
Nothing’s lost, all’s gain
No more fret nor pain
No more stumbling on the way
No more longing for the day
Going to roam no more
Morning star lights the way
Restless dream all done
Shadows gone, break of day
Real life begun
There’s no break, there’s no end
Just a living on
Wide awake with a smile
Going on and on
Going home, going home
I’m just going home
It’s not far, just close by
Through an open door
I am going home
I’m just going home*
Prayer: Lord, as we end our 40 days of remembering your life, death, and resurrection instill in us the understanding of the sure and certain truth that home is ultimately with you. Amen.
*From Going Home by Annie Haslam