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
Risen Christ, by your death and resurrection you brought dawn to darkness. You have made a new way, from death to life, cross to crown, grave to glory. We are frail creatures in a world of change and decay. Rule over us in your resurrection power. Subdue sin and evil, disease and destruction. We have nothing apart from you, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen.
Confession
O Lord, I live a world of dead ends. There is always an end. An end to my energy. My time. My love. My patience. My money. My very life. I am trapped by limits. I am burdened by my frail, finite limits. I have exhausted all other options. Nothing else satisfies. You burst forth from the grave to give me life beyond the horizon. You are my singular hope, my only prayer. Risen Savior, have mercy on my dead ends.
Word
“‘And behold, I am with you always…’” Matthew 28:20
Meditation
Today’s meditation is by Koleen Barnes.
In the church I grew up in, I learned about “making disciples” early. I was taught that it is our job to make every person we meet love and accept Jesus into their hearts, or else. I went to the church camps, which had their bright spots, but also included the peer pressure to make a public acceptance of Christ into your heart. Something that, at age eleven, I did, but didn’t quite feel right about. I already knew Jesus, so why did I feel this was necessary? Why all of the drama? Wouldn’t others feel like I was forcing them to love Jesus if I took this approach? Somehow the idea of telling someone to accept Christ or burn forever didn’t sit right with me. That wasn’t the Jesus I knew, and still isn’t.
As I grow, both in life and the church, I still don’t have it all figured out. I know I never will, but I do have a new appreciation for the care and the love it takes to make Jesus’ instructions to “make disciples” come to life.
We live in a world where anything can be public, but most of the tough things are still hidden. This window we give into our lives is easily filled with good stuff while we handle the bad alone in the dark. This is where my discipleship comes in. This is where I feel called.
Personally, I don’t hide that I am a Christian. My social media includes posts I find helpful, whether they are Christian in nature or not. With these online personas, I work to encourage people to be open about their struggles. I relay content that makes me feel seen and heard in hopes that it will make others feel the same. To me, being a disciple doesn’t necessarily mean living my life shouting about Jesus, but by listening to how he moves my heart and what I feel he is telling me others need to hear. Sometimes he is silent and, in those cases, I just do the best I can with what he has taught us.
I learned a little late in life that non-believers can often dismiss straight, quoted scripture, and that is understandable. It makes sense that something from an old book you have no faith in would be written off. It seems to be more helpful to relay a message and how it impacted you personally. Those who are struggling don’t need you to shout scripture their way or to tell them everything happens for a reason. Most of the time, they just need to know they are not alone. As Christians, we are never alone and because of this, we are able to be with others in their time of need so that they are not alone either. This can be as simple as sending a message to someone who seems to be going through a hard time, or reaching out to an old friend. You would be amazed how often those little tugs on your heart happen at the exact moment people need your care.
My goal in discipleship isn’t to convert others by force, but to live a life that I hope Jesus would be proud of and to find others where he found me. I try to be an example of what a life following Jesus could be. Many times discipleship doesn’t call us to be loud announcers of faith, but to find people during their hidden hardship and whisper, “I have been here, too.” God speaks loudly through us when we tell others they are not alone.
Jesus, be with me today as I move through my day and help me be aware of those around me who need you. Help me recognize how I can best help those who are struggling, and let your light shine through me. Amen.
Benediction
The God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (I Pet. 5:10-11)