Looking Back
Text: John 20:19-31
Theme: Easter Discipleship
When you hear about the disciple, Thomas, what do you think? How do you feel?
Looking back into history, it is easy to judge and second guess historical figures. It wouldn't be odd to question Thomas and his questions; how could he NOT believe Jesus has come back to the disciples? What is wrong with him?
Thinking about the disciples, and their reactions to the resurrection, says a lot about how we understand God, humanity, and faith. Since my time in seminary, I have been more gentle with those first disciples, trying to use empathy and understanding to get to their worldview. Thinking about the situation in which they find themselves (locked together, away from others), fear must have been a primary factor. Their friend and leader had been killed. Were they next? What would happen if they were brought to "trial?"
As a student of history (I have learned a little bit, and I have lot more to learn), I like to consider the factors that have influenced our "heroes" in faith and life. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was killed for his role in trying to stop the Third Reich. Martin Luther King Junior sensed that speaking truth to power could lead to death. What if they had hidden out for a while, and waited for the threat to stop? What if they would have gone somewhere more safe, and stood up to power from a distance? Would I have the confidence and audacity to live like they lived?
One of my seminary professors, Dr. Gwen Sayler, taught her students about looking at biblical figures as a mirror to society. Even the greatest humans in the Bible had doubts (Abraham, Thomas), greed (David), and fear (Peter). You and me can take comfort in knowing that the disciples of Jesus struggled with how God was working then. We can turn to scripture to find humans that we resonate with. We are not perfect, but we put our trust in God's perfect love, as demonstrated by Christ on the cross, and Christ out of the tomb.
As we move through the Covid-19 pandemic, I pray for peace and patience. We do need to hold our leaders accountable-- calling out actions that defy the best interest of God's creation. We do need to act boldly-- following recommendations of health professionals for the sake of protecting those most vulnerable. We also need to act with a good dose of patience, too, as we navigate this storm together.
Prayer: Holy God, we ask for your wisdom and guidance, this day and every day. As we live into the reality of the resurrection, we ask for your comfort and peace. Let our words and actions reflect the gift of abundant and eternal life, that you have given through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the name of our Lord and Savior we pray. Amen.
Song: Lead Me, Guide Me: ELW #768
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLaxRnQRSlw
Theme: Easter Discipleship
When you hear about the disciple, Thomas, what do you think? How do you feel?
Looking back into history, it is easy to judge and second guess historical figures. It wouldn't be odd to question Thomas and his questions; how could he NOT believe Jesus has come back to the disciples? What is wrong with him?
Thinking about the disciples, and their reactions to the resurrection, says a lot about how we understand God, humanity, and faith. Since my time in seminary, I have been more gentle with those first disciples, trying to use empathy and understanding to get to their worldview. Thinking about the situation in which they find themselves (locked together, away from others), fear must have been a primary factor. Their friend and leader had been killed. Were they next? What would happen if they were brought to "trial?"
As a student of history (I have learned a little bit, and I have lot more to learn), I like to consider the factors that have influenced our "heroes" in faith and life. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was killed for his role in trying to stop the Third Reich. Martin Luther King Junior sensed that speaking truth to power could lead to death. What if they had hidden out for a while, and waited for the threat to stop? What if they would have gone somewhere more safe, and stood up to power from a distance? Would I have the confidence and audacity to live like they lived?
One of my seminary professors, Dr. Gwen Sayler, taught her students about looking at biblical figures as a mirror to society. Even the greatest humans in the Bible had doubts (Abraham, Thomas), greed (David), and fear (Peter). You and me can take comfort in knowing that the disciples of Jesus struggled with how God was working then. We can turn to scripture to find humans that we resonate with. We are not perfect, but we put our trust in God's perfect love, as demonstrated by Christ on the cross, and Christ out of the tomb.
As we move through the Covid-19 pandemic, I pray for peace and patience. We do need to hold our leaders accountable-- calling out actions that defy the best interest of God's creation. We do need to act boldly-- following recommendations of health professionals for the sake of protecting those most vulnerable. We also need to act with a good dose of patience, too, as we navigate this storm together.
Prayer: Holy God, we ask for your wisdom and guidance, this day and every day. As we live into the reality of the resurrection, we ask for your comfort and peace. Let our words and actions reflect the gift of abundant and eternal life, that you have given through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the name of our Lord and Savior we pray. Amen.
Song: Lead Me, Guide Me: ELW #768
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLaxRnQRSlw
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