April 5, 2021 — Easter plus One

There is the old saying that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. This year, with Easter coming at the very beginning of April, well it makes this saying that much more true – except the lamb is Jesus. 

Jesus has been raised from the dead – he is the first fruits of the resurrection – and we have had some time to consider our relationship with this Risen Jesus. March is done – kaput. April is upon us, and with April comes not only “showers” but stories about the risen Jesus and his encounter with the disciples. He will eat fish with them at breakfast, on the beach. He will show them his hands and his sides, marks of the crucifixion. And he will pray that his followers will be one just as he and the Father are one. 

So, it is time for a reset as we come to a new month. What goals do you have for your faith life this month? Is this the month to return to your promise to read the bible more? Or, maybe you should be more fervent with your prayer life. How about returning to faithful attendance with Sunday services or bible study. Or maybe there is a ministry you have wanted to help out with but haven’t committed the time and effort. We all know that this pandemic cannot last forever – and soon we will be able to offer our gifts to the church and the community again.

A new month is a great opportunity for new beginnings. In the resurrection, Jesus is a new creation. We then, as believers, are transformed into “new people” – so now is the right time for something new.

Pastor Dave

April 6, 2021 –Easter plus Two

^“Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.  John 20:24

Thomas was away – he was not with the other disciples.  I guess it does not matter why, we all have excuses for not being with the Lord, not being in church, not being present when the big things happen in the family, in our jobs, or in our relationships. We all have excuses. 

The problem with excuses is they usually do not hold up to scrutiny compared to the importance of the event that demanded our presence. In other words, most excuses are poor excuses. This may have not been the case with Thomas, we will never know. But since the disciples were so afraid, so concerned, so confused with the events following the resurrection, whatever kept him away must have been significant – not just an excuse. 

It is one thing to excuse our presence for really important things like: you have broken a leg or an arm, you have been in a car accident, or you have been attacked by a bear. Those are good reasons for not being present with the Lord, with our families, with our employer, or with our brothers and sisters in Christ. I doubt that Thomas slept in because it was the only day he didn’t have to work; or that he didn’t have anything to wear; or that he was attacked by a bear (that really is not a good excuse unless you live in the tundra). 

Thomas eventually had to have a face to face with Jesus – and so will you and me. Think about that……

Pastor Dave