After that day, everything was different. The first disciples witnessed a dead man walking. Their lives would be forever changed, defined by “life before Easter” and life “life after Easter.” On numerous occasions, Jesus showed up in resurrected form before he ascended. In the season of Easter we will examine six “after Easter” encounters with Jesus. What did he say and do? In what practical ways does resurrection change my daily life? Nothing will ever be the same.
Invocation
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation
O God, you are the beginning, the middle, and the end. You are all in all. Lead me. Help me. Forgive me. Keep me from wandering and weariness. Keep my love ready and willing to serve You by serving others. Praise and honor be to You, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. Amen.
Confession
O God, how can I believe without your help. I am filled with doubt. “What about . . . ?” “Is it really true?” “How do I really know you’re there? That you’re listening? That you care about me?” I confess with honesty all my fear and disbelief. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me. Mold me. Fill me. Use me. I believe; help my unbelief.
Word
“Now none of the disciples dared ask him, ‘Who are you?’ They knew it was the Lord.” John 21:12
Meditation
Today’s meditation is written by Julianna Shults.
Dr. Brene Brown is a researcher who has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. As a fellow data nerd and a storyteller, I love her work in difficult areas of human relationship, leadership, and creativity. Her research has shown that courage, compassion, and connection are critical for wholehearted living. We all long for belonging and connection. But what does that mean?
Dr. Brown defines connection “as the energy that exists between two people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgement; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” When I look at my relationships through that lens, I can quickly point out the relationships that make me feel belonging and love, and those that make me feel alone and drained, even in a crowded room.
Finding relationships that give you true connection is tough, and even when you do, they’re difficult to maintain. Add to that our technological and transient world. The reality is that no relationship between people is going to perfectly embody the connection Dr. Brown describes. Even the most loving, empathetic relationships can fail and get distorted by brokenness.
But we get a glimpse of perfect connection, as only God can provide, in our readings today.
The disciples start the night going back to what they know, fishing. By morning their empty net and boats were surely leading to more than a little frustration and disappointment. Disconnection abounds.
In steps Jesus, who in a miracle provides all the physical sustenance and strength they would need. He invites them to rest over a meal. The scripture says no one even had to ask who Jesus was. They just knew it was the Lord.
Jesus knew these men fully. He saw all of their brokenness and valued them so highly that he died for them. Jesus gave them grace and forgiveness, not judgement, even though they had denied knowing him, run away, and hidden during his crucifixion and resurrection.
Through our gift of faith, we have that same connection with Jesus as those disciples did that morning. Even in our selfishness and sin, our isolation and fear, Jesus always sees us, hears us, and loves us unconditionally. We are never alone. Jesus brings true, perfect connection to us as He forgives our sins. Then through his Spirit, gathers us together to connect with each other.
What a gift to be truly seen, valued and forgiven. We rejoice that God graciously gives us a connection with him full of unending grace, sustenance and strength.
Prayer: Giver of all good things, our world and our lives can make us feel us disconnected and lonely. Draw us near as you did the disciples that morning. See us, forgive us, and sustain us with all we need to share your good news with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Benediction
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Amen. (Rom. 15:13)