The Rhythm
A reading for Thursday, July 9, 2015: Luke 24:36-53.
Fourteen chapters earlier in Luke 10 it says, "Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you."
The rhythm in the lesson today at the end of Luke is exactly the same. Jesus enters and declares "Peace!" The disciples are startled at the realization that this is the risen Christ. Still they eat together a meal, sharing together broiled fish. Jesus heals them and their grief in explaining all that has taken place. He opens their minds to the story of God, and declares that the Kingdom of God has indeed been fulfilled.
This is the Christian life. The declaration of peace among neighbors and even strangers. The expression of community, a common meal and mutual caring and sharing. Finally centering all of life life, both individual and corporate, around a new story: the redemptive story of God's love for us and for the world in Jesus Christ.
As Jesus ascends into heaven, the story ends with worship and joy... "And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God."
May this be the rhythm of our life and our story too. Thanks be to God!
Fourteen chapters earlier in Luke 10 it says, "Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you."
The rhythm in the lesson today at the end of Luke is exactly the same. Jesus enters and declares "Peace!" The disciples are startled at the realization that this is the risen Christ. Still they eat together a meal, sharing together broiled fish. Jesus heals them and their grief in explaining all that has taken place. He opens their minds to the story of God, and declares that the Kingdom of God has indeed been fulfilled.
This is the Christian life. The declaration of peace among neighbors and even strangers. The expression of community, a common meal and mutual caring and sharing. Finally centering all of life life, both individual and corporate, around a new story: the redemptive story of God's love for us and for the world in Jesus Christ.
As Jesus ascends into heaven, the story ends with worship and joy... "And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God."
May this be the rhythm of our life and our story too. Thanks be to God!
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