Pastor's Corner 6/23/11

Calling you to do great things

" E m p o w e r m e n t through Christ," based on John 20.19-23, is an account of human transformation.

It tells us a story about how folks drowning in a sea of fear and disabling confusion, people who had given up on their dreams of what might have been, could find desperately needed strength and have their faded dreams reborn.

What was true of those disciples of Jesus could be true for you.

Just as those few followers were able to transform the world thousands of years ago, God desperately needs your efforts in the world today.

John’s account is an Easter story.

The disciples were gathered behind locked doors because they were terribly afraid.

Here is the first point to note: The disciples were cowering in fear even while the Good News of their risen Lord was standing outside the door.

Of course, locked doors, like sealed graves, could not stop Jesus.

This lesson is that Jesus often comes to us when we are feeling completely unworthy, incapable or undeserving to serve him.

Here’s the second point to note: When Jesus appeared to those men who had run away from him in his time of need, what did he have to say? Did Jesus say, "Men, I’m really disappointed in you." No. Did Jesus scold them for their apparent lack of faith? (Again, no.) Jesus had only one simple message for them.

This was a comforting and empowering word of peace.

Jesus said to his friends, "Peace be with you.

" He was letting them know that they could let go of their

feelings of fear, doubt and inadequacy.

"Know that I am still with you.

In your darkest days I will be with you." "Peace be with you," might sometimes be exactly the words you may need to hear as you face the hard times that insinuate themselves into each of our lives.

Jesus makes sure that his followers understand that their faith isn’t just a private matter between themselves and God.

Jesus said, "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." Jesus was telling them, just as he’s telling us today, that he expects us to carry on his work of bringing God’s heavenly kingdom into its earthly reality.

"God sent me into this world to do good, and I fully expect you to do good in my name." This is the third point of John’s account: "We must carry on the unfinished work that God began in Jesus." Finally, Jesus breathes on the disciples.

Here’s how John puts it:

"Jesus breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’ Jesus Christ is the very breath of God. His breath empowered those first disciples and it can empower you as well. May the breath of God allow you to let go of those things that have stolen your power away from you, may you find the peace and the presence of your Savior and may you understand that God is still speaking to you and calling you to do great things in the name of your risen Lord.

Bob Ingalls, pastor

Malden Congregational Church