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From the Pastor
Pastor Jeff shares some thoughts
with us for April 2008...
Go therefore and make
disciples…(Matthew 28:19).
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On
Easter morning, Matthew’s
account of the resurrection of Jesus reminded us that the resurrection
is not
only an event, but it initiates a way of life for the followers of
Jesus. As we move through the season of Easter (50 days in all) we
are
learning how to live the life that the resurrection of Jesus grants
us. Easter life is centered in worship, seeing Jesus, and then
telling the
story, so that others may also see Jesus.
Yet,
there are some big
questions for us to reflect on related to this. Are we truly
living an
Easter life? Are we sharing the Easter good news? Are we
helping
others to see Jesus?
The
Great Commission, as
Matthew 28:18-20 is often called, gives us direction on how to do this
telling
of the story, which will allow others to see Jesus. We go into the
world,
baptizing, teaching, and remembering. We go into the world and do
this
ministry, trusting in the presence of Jesus with us, to carry out his
will through
our actions.
Most
of us know all of this
already. These verses from Matthew are the basis of what we do in
the
church, especially in the areas of evangelism and
outreach. However, too
often, we fail to connect them to the resurrection of Jesus. We
take them
out of context and they become simply something that Jesus said,
which we
ought to do in order to be faithful. But rather, this invitation,
commission, and sending occurs after the disciples have seen the risen
Jesus
and worshiped him.
We
have celebrated the
resurrection of Jesus on Easter day and continue to do so throughout
this
season of Easter and each Sunday as we gather for worship. We have
seen
Jesus. He has given us the invitation to literally be his
disciples. And he has sent us out to do his ministry in our
community and
around the world.
All
that we do as Christians
is a reflection of the resurrection of Jesus. That may be things
that you
do everyday in your homes with your families, or at work with
colleagues. On the other hand, it may be special things that you
will do
at the church this month, like the community food drive, or getting
ready for a
summer youth trip, or making a commitment to be in worship each
week. Whatever it is, you are doing it as a response to the gift
of God in
the resurrection of Jesus. You are living as one of Jesus’
disciples. Because you have seen him, worshiped him, and
experienced new
life, he has sent you into the world to serve others and to share his
story.
So,
live the Easter
life! Go, baptize, teach, and remember. Share the story, so
that
others may see Jesus.
Peace,
Pastor
Jeff |
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