April 2009 Pastor's Ponderings

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

There are many ways to greet our family and friends. Truman, from the Truman show, jubilantly greeted others with, “Good morning, and in case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!” In his extravagant graciousness he covered all the bases. Truman’s greetings revealed what he knew and experienced of life – that life and everyone else was good. Or so he thought before he discovered that his world was a lie and that he had been exploited for the entertainment of others.

Tradition tells us that early Christians often used a greeting that reveals what they knew and experienced in life saying, “Jesus is risen!” To which the other person replied, “He is risen indeed!” This was a daily greeting, not just an Easter greeting. Easter was a reality that permeated their lives, not a holiday to be celebrated.

Yes, some may say that Christians are a lot like Truman, misled and living in a make believe world. But, perhaps, it may be the other way around. I believe that Jesus Christ is the key to see ourselves, others, and the world the way it truly is.

To say “Jesus is risen” is to announce that he died. Jesus’ death reveals the truth that life is not filled with smiling neighbors and courteous drivers, that pain and suffering are real. Jesus’ costly death betrays the lies of sin and temptation. Jesus’ death reveals the truth that how we live has consequences in our lives, the lives of others, and in the price Jesus paid for the cost of our sin. Jesus’ death reveals that God has not abandoned His wayward creation but in His great love has reached out and recovered it.

To say “Jesus is risen” is to proclaim life in the face of death. His resurrection is evidence that we are freed from the lies that once deceived us. Jesus’ resurrection is the lens through which we can glimpse ourselves and the world as God created us to be. His resurrection unveils the calling of those who believe in Jesus’ name – we are freed from the cost of our sin and set free to live for him.

Easter is not a day on the calendar; it is the dawning of a new reality in which we are invited to live.

Jesus is risen!