Eastertide
May 21, 2017
Scripture Reading: John 14:15-21
‘I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’ –John 14:18-21
“ That’s a God thing.” is a phrase I picked up from someone else and I use to explain the obvious presence of the hand of God, in particularly regarding unexpected or at least unpredicted outcomes. We do see God at work in our world today. In little things as well as big. I see it now in people previously reluctant to make their opinions heard speaking out articulately about human need. People with real life experiences are sharing them to raise awareness of the impacts of lack of health care or poor education, and the power of a second-chance justice system to restore wholeness rather than sentencing a person to decay in an overcrowded, understaffed prison.
On a more personal level, the Spirit rescues me from becoming jaded by the negative forces pushing against forming a Kingdom ruled by love. Music is often the balm for my soul, and nothing can replace the satisfaction of the constancy of the Spirit’s presence when I turn to God in prayer. As I pour out my stress and distress, I am cleansed of their residue and refreshed with God’s abiding love.
I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’—Joshua 1:9
The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!’ –John 16:32-33
Prayer: Lord, help us each to see your hand at work in and through us and others. 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.