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We have just celebrated the Resurrection. Each year we take time to have this special time to recall the wonderful fact that Jesus Christ did not stay in the tomb after the crucifixion. Yes Jesus died on the Cross.
But that was not the end of the story, he arose. The tomb is empty. By this we know the promise of God that our sins are forgiven is sure. Jesus appeared to the disciples, showing the prints of the nails in his
hands and feet. Those scars provided clear identification that the risen Lord is the Crucified, the flesh and blood Redeemer.
There is a gospel song with the words: "Put your hand in the hand of the Man from Galilee." Realize that in doing that, you put your hand on those scars. Feeling those scars would mean at least two things: one, it
was in the hands of Jesus Christ the risen Lord that you were placing your life. And second, if he cared so much us as to have those scars for all eternity, we could depend on him for everything.
Luther was told at one point: "Look at the wounds of Jesus." There is no other sign that will give rest to those sorrowful for their sins. Whether we are depressed or feel that we cannot make it or cannot do what is
before us, we need to remember those scars. Thomas said that he could not believe, yet when he saw those scars, immediately, he said: "My Lord and my God!" This is to be our response when we have trouble believing,
when we are in valleys of unbelief or darkness.
It is interesting that I paused after writing the preceding. While I was away, I received the news that the church which had shown interest in calling me, after much prayer decided that the Spirit was not leading
them in that direction. Now I have to turn that over to the Lord. It is a challenge when we believe that the Lord is leading in one way and then the door closes. Yet, this is something that I have said in the past.
We have to move forward and if the Lord does not intend for us to go in a certain direction, the Spirit will close that door. My challenge is to continue trusting in God's goodness and love and to move on to the
next step.
The temptation is to get upset at the committee of that church, Yet I rejoice that they are doing their job. They have worked to get the facts and they have prayed for the leading of the Lord. And in their prayers
they sensed that God was not leading them to me. It is important that we understand that this is how our Church is suppose to work.
The Presbyterian Church believes that all decisions of Church governing bodies "should be founded upon the revealed will of God" (G-1.0307). The Book of Order goes on to state that "synods and councils may err,
through the frailty inseparable from humanity." I believe this can go for committees of the Session as well. We have to trust that God is overseeing all of their decisions. What we want in our church is that the
will of Christ be done rather than necessarily the will of the people.
In January, I quoted from Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for GOD's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who
will keep you on track" (The Message). My need is to trust the Lord now as much as ever. As I have preached trust, I also need to model it before you. I believe that God has that place he wants me to fill and God
will lead the way. That is my trust.
This is a little Selah (pause and mediate on this): Max Lucado wrote: "Want to change your life? Begin by saying 'The Lord is my Shepherd.' " Quoted in "Guideposts" April, 2005.
Remember: God is with us always. He will never leave us nor forsake us. Trust God!
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