Greetings in the name of the one who brings new life, Jesus the Christ!
New life. What does that really mean? New life is spoken about quite a bit around Easter as we realize that Jesus is alive, and death no longer has dominion over Him. How does that translate to us in this day and age? Where do we get to experience this new life? Is this something we state as escapism to simply get away from the world and all its problems or is there more to this?
I say this not only for self-preservation, but because I believe there is truth here: we do have new life in Christ Jesus. This new life does not often come in easily measurable ways nor in a specific timeframe. Over time and experience we can notice how the love, grace, and presence of God in Jesus does bestow new life in, with, through all that we say, do, and are. We are changed to see the abundance God provides for us within the goodness of God’s creation. This view of the world is part of the newness that comes in following Christ.
It is so easy to see the world in absolutes; black and white, good and evil, right and wrong. This is a part of the world we were born into. Holding onto what we see as right and dismissing what we see as wrong is part of keeping ourselves safe and protected from all that is “off” in the world. For many, it is easy and comfortable to be in that place to easily dismiss what is wrong with the world. Jesus did not do that because God loves us.
Jesus continually uses what is wrong in the world, what we would dismiss or call irreverent to show how valuable to God and creation what we would turn away from. Many of Jesus’ parables show this. All too many of the encounters Jesus has with others state this fact about the Son of God. The Passion shows this. What the world would dispose of and get rid of (Jesus) because He did not measure up or do what we thought He should do or welcomed those we wish would stay away did not stay disposed of. He rose again to show that new life is here for all of us. No matter where we come from, what job we have, how much education we have received, or who we love, we can (and do) have new life in Him!
This Easter, we are invited to see where new life comes to us. Where resurrection happens. What God in Jesus Christ calls into to renew our lives and hope for creation. That which God states is good but can always use more to be shown in it.
Pastor Chris