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
We announce to you what existed from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have seen and our hands handled, about the word of life. The life was revealed, and we have seen, and we testify and announce to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us. What we have seen and heard, we also announce it to you so that you can have fellowship with us. Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy can be complete.
1 John 1:1-4
Think
The family of faith in 1 John models for us what it is like to live as Easter people. In today’s text, they are building a bridge. They have had a multi-sensory experience with the living God who has existed since before time began – they have seen Jesus with their own eyes, they have heard him with their own ears and touched him with their very own hands. And now, they are working to share the Good News with others so that they can experience God too.
When we have something amazing, it can be tempting to keep it to ourselves. However, everything is better when it is shared in community. The believers in 1 John get it; they know that their own joy will not be complete until others join the family that worships God together.
Tracy Hartman
Pray
God, you have been present since before creation and you are present with me now. Thank you. Help me today to be a bridge builder, inviting others to walk into the family of faith and the circle of your love. 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.
