Sunday, June 13, 2004

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
(John 20.19 NRSV)

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I wish God would give each of us some unmistakable sign--perhaps not an earthquake, but some less frightening indication of His interest in our affairs. I believe it was Woody Allen who said that a million dollars deposited in a Swiss bank account would be a nice gesture. Nothing too dramatic. Well, that's not exactly true, is it? Actually, it would have to be awfully dramatic. We're pretty good at explaining away even the most stirring of miracles. Faith is not easy. God never meant for it to be. It is part of the struggle we go through in order to fit our souls for heaven.

After Jesus’ death and resurrection and in the midst of the disciples confusion Jesus came and stood among them. He said to his disciples, "Peace be with you." At first, they were afraid. But when he showed them his hands and his side they rejoiced. Jesus was alive! Mary had told them the truth. They could see him with their own eyes. This was the most wonderful news imaginable. Then Jesus gave them a commission. "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." The disciples were now apostles. No longer were they just learners, now they were messengers--responsible for carrying the message of salvation to the far corners of the world. The apostles were to continue the ministry of Jesus, they were to become his voice, his hands, legs.

Will you be Jesus’ apostle?

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Loving God, help me to be your apostle today and forever. Amen.

Ron Newhouse

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