living love

Jesus tells us that life works best when we love God with everything we are and love other people. It seems so simple, but in action it seems so difficult. Why? Perhaps we need to get over our selves. I wonder if we tend to live so myopically that we can’t see beyond ourselves to the people around us. I need to put on new lenses, so that I can see beyond myself, to see a God and a world that I need to love, otherwise I will continue to wallow in my short-sighted emptiness.

What keeps you from loving God with everything you are?
What keeps you from loving others?
What are we going to do about it?

living the resurrection:day four

[Read & meditate on Philippians 3.7-11. How does this reflect the impact that the resurrection should have on the life of a disciple of Jesus?]

The way of humility, love, and selflessness, though difficult is the best possible way to live. This is the way that confronts the evil in this world and emerges victorious. This is the way of our maker, our God. No matter what struggles I may face, as I follow in Jesus way, I am following in the way of victory. I am following in the way that brings redemption, wholeness, and restoration. I am living a life bigger than my own. I am living the life of Jesus.

living the resurrection:day three

[Read & meditate on Mark 16. Think back to the invitation to be a disciple. If Jesus can conquer death, what does that mean for his disciples?]

To be a disciple is to become like the rabbi, to one day do what the rabbi does. If Jesus walks on the water, good disciples should be able to walk with him. If he loves the ones who abuse him or reject him, his disciples can and should do the same. If he can beat death, so can his disciples. Death can’t take our real lives. It can take our bodies, but not our souls. This should give me strength and encouragement. It should give me courage and remind me that my confidence needs to be placed securely in Jesus, who leads the way.

living the resurrection:day two

[Read & meditate on Luke 24. Why would it be so important that Jesus had to rise from the dead?]

If there is no resurrection, Jesus is just a good teacher, with some good ideas. We have not been truly rescued. We are left to earn our way into God’s favor. Because of the resurrection, everything is different. Everything that Jesus taught is backed up in his death and resurrection. The powers that have enslaved us have been defeated, humiliated at the cross. Not even the power of death could stand up to Jesus. Jesus gives us a life that is bigger than the powers that surround us–bigger than the very world we live in.
If Jesus stays dead, Jesus loses. Jesus took on the powers, all the while, walking in the way of love, peace, humility, justice, mercy, grace, wisdom, patience, etc. never submitting to the powers that sought to destroy him. Just has he began his ministry, intimately depending on God the Father in the wilderness, he goes to the cross and emerges victorious.

living the resurrection:day one

[Read & meditate on John 20.1-18. Why do you think John would include the detail that Mary thought Jesus was the gardener? (What was Adam's job in Genesis?) Could it be that Jesus is indicating that things can now start getting back to the way they were in the beginning? What are the implications?]

On the sixth day, God finished His work. On the seventh day, God rested. The next day was life in Eden, the garden. On the sixth day, Jesus finished his work. On the seventh day, Jesus rested. The next day was new life, the garden. The new creation has begun. The powers have been defeated and the new creation is blossoming all around us. There is new life, new hope, new beginnings. Things are being set right. I can live a restored life. I can experience more and more harmony with God, other people and the world around me. I can be rescued and restored.