We studied Dr. Luke’s telling of the resurrection story this morning. I spent a considerable amount of time reading and listening to commentary on the passage on Blue Letter Bible in preparation for teaching my class. (Thanks, Dena. Awesome, awesome resource.) As I thought about the story, I noticed again one of my favorite parts of this wonderful event.
Let’s face it. Jesus’ disciples didn’t give a stellar performance during the trial and crucifixion of our Lord. I’m not pointing fingers, mind you, just commenting on what I’ve read. Peter denied him. They all tucked tail and ran. Even after Mary and the other women encountered the angels and shared the good news of Christ’s resurrection, even after John and Peter took a look in the tomb for themselves, they were skeptical about the resurrection.
But this is my favorite part…when Jesus shows up and reveals himself to the Eleven, his first words are words of comfort. No – “thanks a lot, guys!” No – “wait to stick by me, fellas…” Nope. Peace. And comfort. Jesus didn’t chide or reprimand or harangue them. He offered them peace and reassurance and very practically removed their fears that he was some kind of ghost.
That’s one of my favorite things about Jesus. He loves the broken. He comforts the failed. He redeems the fallen. It’s not just the best among us that He came to save; it’s all of us.
Perhaps it’s because I walk around with plenty of regrets in my knapsack that I identify with those characters in the Bible that just blow it. I get them because I have blown it myself on more than one occasion.
I’m the broken.
I’m the failed.
I’m the fallen.
And when I pick up that love letter from God and see Jesus offer his wayward disciples peace and purpose, I can hear Him offer me the same thing. As amazing as it seems to me, He wants me on his team in spite of my weaknesses.
(And did I mention that He wants you, too.)
What a miracle that Jesus lived, that He died, that He rose again and went back to Heaven to be with His Father and make it right for me, for all of us. And having done all that, how amazing that his response to my sin, is grace and forgiveness and Peace.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Everyday Miracles
"Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons." ~Ruth Ann Schabacker
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that the greatest pleasures of my life are small things. I read Hannah’s blog earlier, and she talked about digging in the dirt and planting flowers with her aunt. Those are perfect examples – quiet, everyday pleasures that can transform our lives if we take the time to see their beauty and be thankful for them.
When my life becomes so jam-packed with activity that I don’t have time to sit and be quiet for a little while, I have a tendency to look past all the wonderful moments that happen in the course of the day. It becomes easy to focus on what’s wrong, rather than what’s right. I think that’s why the Word tells me to be still.
If I’m not careful, I could miss the fact that the buds on my lilac bush are so full of spring sunshine that they are about to burst open or the pungent smell of grass that’s just been mowed or the way my husband’s blue eyes sparkle when he laughs. What a tragic waste that would be!
Beautiful and blessed experiences are all around me even as I sit here alone, watching the clock tick toward midnight. My curtains are blowing gracefully in a breeze that promises rain. When I lie down to sleep in a few minutes, I’ll revel in the crisp, coolness of the cotton sheets on my bed. And in the morning, should God grant us another day, I’ll wake up to the rich smell of coffee brewing and my best friend’s smile. Life, real life, is made of moments such as these.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that the greatest pleasures of my life are small things. I read Hannah’s blog earlier, and she talked about digging in the dirt and planting flowers with her aunt. Those are perfect examples – quiet, everyday pleasures that can transform our lives if we take the time to see their beauty and be thankful for them.
When my life becomes so jam-packed with activity that I don’t have time to sit and be quiet for a little while, I have a tendency to look past all the wonderful moments that happen in the course of the day. It becomes easy to focus on what’s wrong, rather than what’s right. I think that’s why the Word tells me to be still.
If I’m not careful, I could miss the fact that the buds on my lilac bush are so full of spring sunshine that they are about to burst open or the pungent smell of grass that’s just been mowed or the way my husband’s blue eyes sparkle when he laughs. What a tragic waste that would be!
Beautiful and blessed experiences are all around me even as I sit here alone, watching the clock tick toward midnight. My curtains are blowing gracefully in a breeze that promises rain. When I lie down to sleep in a few minutes, I’ll revel in the crisp, coolness of the cotton sheets on my bed. And in the morning, should God grant us another day, I’ll wake up to the rich smell of coffee brewing and my best friend’s smile. Life, real life, is made of moments such as these.
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