Jesus was a fairly obscure man, born quietly into an occupied nation, seemingly past its glory days (though the angels would beg to disagree on the ‘quietly.’) His execution brought an unjust end to what seemed a generous ministry, filled with hope. Crushed.
But the energising of his followers – again a small obscure bunch – seemed to inexplicably give credence to the crazy idea that he was risen from the dead. And to any one who is drawn to look into it, that inescapable and life-giving conclusion is inevitably drawn.
And it is a bit of a wonder that we count time from the resurrection. Oh, it may not be the exact date, and calling it BCE rather than AD doesn’t really change anything. The world changed on that day, as God intended it to. And it is being irrigated by the Spirit of God until it is finally all renewed in God’s purposes.
I guess we might start counting the years afresh from then.
It’s a date we have all got in our diaries.
I have friends who make a quality decision to make ‘date nights’ with their spouses to refresh and renew what otherwise might become a stale marriage. It might be a night in watching a movie together, or having fondue, or a trip to the theatre, or even just a walk together alongside the riverside, doing some window shopping, visiting an ice cream parlour – it need not be an expensive outing. As we know every relationship takes time to flourish, and it’s the same with Jesus. He spent much time with His Father, not just with his disciples.
What would happen if we all made special dates with Jesus, not just on Sundays, rather EVERY DAY – I think we would echo Louis Armstrong’s song, “What a wonderful World.” Of course, the most important date is that first encounter with God, when the Holy Spirit opens hearts and eyes (quickens, makes alive as the KJV Bible says). Oh that people everywhere would come to Jesus, for there is no other way. John 14:6 – He loves YOU! John 3:16-17
How easy it is to ignore our Lord, just as we sometimes ignore our spouses. However, we must remember that He sees our heart, and everything we do whether in word or deed; whether we walk in integrity and with excellence each day, or whether we could care less. The title of one of Bill Hybel’s books sums it up, ‘Who are you when no one is looking?’ ‘Have you made a date recently?
An invitation is open to you at this Sunday evening’s special Ignite to learn more about love…we would love to see you.
p.s bring ear plugs if your hearing is delicate, or you dislike loud music. Young ones, you’ll love it!
It’s a date Sandra!!!!!