Thursday, April 16, 2020

Thursday of Easter











The Apostle John tells us, “The disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear.” John 20.19

Sound familiar?

The first Easter. All those years ago.  Where the faithful followers of Jesus - Were hunkered down at home. And who could blame them? They had been on a week-long roller-coaster with Jesus.

They had come to Jerusalem with Jesus. For the biggest festival of the year. They were greeted with shouts of praise. As Jesus rode into town. Then. In a matter of days. Their friend and teacher had been arrested. Beaten. Tortured. And crucified.

The man for whom they had left everything behind to follow was gone. And their own lives were at risk for having followed Him. They were confused and afraid. So they did the safest thing they could. They stay at home. Quarantined for fear.

They were sheltered-in-place. And doing the safest thing they could. Staying home. Their whole world had been turned upside down in a matter of days. Life as they knew it was forever changed. And what once seemed unshakeable was suddenly uncertain.

Recent events were hard to believe. And even harder to watch. News of death was overwhelming.  Their own lives were at risk. Confused and afraid. They sought refuge in the place where they felt safe.

A warm and welcoming home? Hardly! They were under lock and key. Kept in a place from which they could not escape. Prisoners in their own house. They were petrified.  At home, hopeful to be protected from the chaos swirling on the other side of the door.i

Suddenly Jesus appears.  With His word of welcome. He stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

The Lord continues to speak peace to your situation. No matter what you might be experiencing the Savior has promise to speak His peace to you.

Sunday’s service will be broadcast live on radio station WZBD 92.7 FM at 9:05am we also hope to live-stream the service on the parish Facebook page. Please tune in to be encouraged by the Savior’s promises for you.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. -2 Thessalonians 3:16


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i Sara Beth Pannell sets the context for this morning’s though – https://www.chathamnewsrecord.com/stories/the-disciples-were-together-with-the-doors-locked-for-fear,5132
ii  Illustration for Easter 2 Series 2, Pr. James Wetzsein, copyright ©  www.Agnusday.org
iii The Risen Christ copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

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