Throughout Lent, we have been praying like Jesus. We have used methods of coloring and praying the news, we have prayed for our children and in the closet, we have prayed with others and in our questions, we have prayed without words and using scripture. And throughout our prayers, we have almost held our breath, waiting to see what might happen. But I wonder if we asked the correct question. I sense that many of us wondered if God would answer our prayers. I wonder how many of us looked around and wondered HOW would God answer our prayers.
On this Easter Sunday, I want to point to the resurrected Christ loose in the world and proclaim that our prayers are being answered. If you still feel the twinge in your back or dread your coming encounter with your family around the Easter dinner table, you might be wondering how exactly have those prayers been answered. Let’s go right to the source in Jesus. Have you seen him recently?
Some of us last heard the crowds calling Jesus the king, Hosanna, God save us!
Some of us last heard the disciples gathered around the table with Jesus in the tender ritual of the Passover meal teaching about the denials, betrayals, and life-changing suffering that was to come.
Some of us left Jesus in the garden praying that it might be different, being arrested by the religious authorities in cahoots with the local powerbrokers.
Some of us left Jesus on the cross suffering in pain.
Some of us left Jesus in the tomb closed in by an immovable bolder.
All of us will not find Jesus where we last left him. Not us here today or the women who went to care for his body for burial. Jesus has gotten out and is roaming around. Resurrection has freed Jesus for the divine work that is before him. Jesus surprises the women returning to tell the disciples that Jesus is no longer in the tomb – He is Alive! Jesus walking and talking, resurrected and among the very ones who loved him, doubted him, denied him, and followed him.
Without the resurrection, we might never have heard of Jesus. There were many Jews and other outsiders crucified by the Roman Empire. Many of whom have been forgotten to time. There were great teachers and rabbis. There were notable healers and preachers. Easter is the central point of our life together. Easter is what our faith hinges on. While Jesus taught about his life and death often, the disciples did not have ears to hear.
Resurrection becomes the most spectacular answer to pray we could never have imagined. Not only is it Jesus is alive. It is I have seen the Lord. Because Jesus lives, I have abundant life here and now and then and there.
Easter begins God’s transformation of the world which continues even today. The story of God’s love did not start with the birth of Jesus and did not finish with the death, or even resurrection of Jesus. Resurrection is part of the processing of answer the ultimate pray of thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. (1)
But for most of us, we must admit we prefer not to see how sausage is made, rules developed, or this world transitioned into God’s realm. It looks messy and does not follow all of the expected rules. In fact, often to get to where we are going, we follow a path we dislike. Let us not forget that this redemption and resurrection that we celebrate this morning was the road through suffering and trial. For thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven, we go through growing pains. But we must remember that the worst thing is never the last thing.
As we seek answers to our prayers, as we beseech for Jesus to heal us of cancers and pneumonia, congestive heart failure, autoimmune diseases and more, the worst thing is never the last thing.
As we beg Jesus to heal our families reknit broken relationships, heal the painful words that have been spoken, and assuage those things left unsaid, the worst thing is never the last thing.
As we plead on behalf of our world for peace and tranquility, innovative and engagement, in midst of a world that seems to have one-upmanship in the mother of all missiles, the father of all missiles, and experiments in using them, the worst thing is never the last thing.
As we aspire for hope when it feels like we can barely hold it together anymore, the worst thing is never the last thing.
It is the power of love, not that crucified Jesus, but raise him from the dead and transforms the world, that tells us afresh the God is not done yet! God is bringing new life.
Where you thought that it was death and destruction.
Where you thought that you only lived in a Good Friday world.
Where you thought that you could not even begin to imagine that your prayers might be answered.
As sure as tulips bloom and caterpillars metamorphize into butterflies,
as sure as spring peepers fill the evening air and robins tweet in the mornings,
as sure as grass wants to cut and trails are filled with walkers, signs of spring and new life point us to resurrection promises.
Jesus, who is now loose in the world, is answering prayers and seeking the best welfare of her people.
Your prayers have been heard and will be answered! Lean in to see how.
This is the Gospel of Lord Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God, Amen.
(1) The Last Week: What the Gospels really teach about Jesus’s Final Days In Jerusalem, Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan, 2007. 189-216.
New Testament Lesson: Colossians 3: 1-4
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 28: 1-10
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’
Meditations For Your Week
Sunday, April 16 ~ Saturday, April 23
Sunday: “After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.” Matthew 28: 1. Christ is the Lord is Risen! The Marys who went in search of Jesus, found he had kept his promises. Praise God for keeping his promises to you!
Monday: “But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come; see the place where he lay.” Matthew 28: 5-6. On this Easter Monday, prayerfully consider where God is inviting you to see evidence of God’s promises kept.
Tuesday: “Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” Matthew 28: 7-8. The good news of resurrection is never just for one or two. It is for the whole world. Who will you share it with?
Wednesday: “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’” Matthew 28: 10. God is always reminding us not to be afraid. Where do you need to remember not to be afraid?
Thursday: “So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1. Pray that Jesus will reveal to you the heart of God who loves all of God’s children.
Friday: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3: 2-3. Prayerfully consider the invitation to consider heavenly things, instead of earthly travails.
Saturday: “When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.” Colossians 3: 4. Look around you today for signs of revelation and redemption. God is never far!