Journey to the Cross

Pause

What does it mean to be Easter people, to live on this side of the resurrection? One thing, for sure. We are now God’s hands and feet in the world – we are the ones entrusted with carrying out God’s mission.

That sounds both exciting and terrifying doesn’t it? After all, Jesus left us big shoes to fill and the needs around us are overwhelming.

But the good news is that throughout history, God has empowered and used imperfect people just like us to bring the good news to others.

As we hear the stories of some of those people this week, may we be empowered to be Easter people as well.

Listen

Look at how good and pleasing it is when families live together as one! It is like expensive oil poured over the head, running down onto the beard— Aaron’s beard!— which extended over the collar of his robes. It is like the dew on Mount Hermon streaming down onto the mountains of Zion, because it is there that the Lord has commanded the blessing: everlasting life.

Psalm 133:1-3

Think

Does your family live together in unity? Mine does most of the time, but certainly not always. Like all families, we’re human — we get tired and grumpy and we disagree on some things.

Today’s psalm begins by talking about our biological families, and how good it is when we live together well. But the psalm shifts quickly to a much larger family, the family of God. Of course, the members of God’s family struggle to live in unity too.

But when God’s people truly come together, amazing things happen. Through the power of the resurrected Christ, we can learn what it means to love, honor, and respect each other, to work together to be God’s hands and feet in the world. In Old Testament times, pouring oil on someone’s head was a sign of hospitality that signaled joy and relationship. May the oil flow freely as we seek to truly be Easter people, living together in unity.

Tracy Hartman

Pray

Gracious God, mother and father of us all, help me to live with all of your children, my sisters and brothers, in true unity, both now and forevermore. Amen.

Go

He has told you, human one, what is good and what the Lord requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

Go and be Easter people.