|
THE JOURNEY IS JUST BEGINNING
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have
commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of
the age.
What an amazing journey
this six weeks has been! We have heard many stories of those
changed by love and sent in love to serve our living God:
Abram set out on a journey, and Jacob wrestled with God. Judas
repented and Moses hoped, while Jonah's anger raged at God's
unbelievable mercy. Mary shared an extravagant gift, and the
widow gave all she had. Good stewards were invited to serve,
while others were asked to demonstrate love that is patient and
kind. Jesus, the son of the living God, came and lived among
people to give them a glimpse of One who is "merciful and
gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love."
God's love changes things. We read about this transformative
love in the devotions and reflections by the writers in this
Lenten booklet. Each writer has in some way been changed by love
and sent in love to serve the people of God in the world.
It continues in our Easter celebrations today: That first Easter
morning saw men and women coming to the tomb only to find it
empty! The resurrection love changed them, and they went to
their homes, then out to tell the others and, eventually, out
into all the world, baptizing and teaching.
That is also our invitation from Matthew 28. Lent may be over,
but our journey is just beginning. We are changed as we
encounter Jesus Christ and then are sent out to the world to
serve - but we do not go alone. We are sent by God, in the name
of God, with the promise that God will be with us forever.
God of the empty tomb,
through the power of your Holy Spirit, continue to change us by
your love and send us into the world to serve. Amen!
The Rev. Lowell Michelson
Senior Pastor
|
