By Glenn Johnson, Pacific Southwest International Mission Center president
Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering…
The disciples were faced with a reality so wonderful and so amazing they couldn’t believe it. Luke writes that upon seeing Jesus “while in their joy, they were disbelieving.” But then he asked them for some fish, and he ate in their presence. Now they were eyewitnesses of the one who greeted them, “Peace be with you.”
The eyewitnesses saw Jesus, heard his voice, touched him, watched him eat, and knew. Do Easter people believe because of these eyewitnesses, or do we believe because the Spirit confirms to us the good news that is so wonderful and so amazing that it is almost impossible to believe?
I remember a sermon at reunion (family camp) in which the speaker emphasized that in the Easter miracle each of us should know that we are loved individually and communally by God. After reunion, as I lay in bed thinking about this good news, I was so overjoyed by this realization of God’s love that I almost leapt up out of bed. It was a moment of profound belief, a spiritual moment, that I will remember my entire life.
I live my life in the joy that comes from faith in the risen Christ. As a member of the community, I am able to share in the fellowship of the love of Easter people formed by the good news of God’s love for all the world. And in that community of love, I am called and challenged by the formative stories of Jesus’ profound call for justice, peace, and right-living. I do not simply live in an Easter reality of a feel-good story. I live an Easter reality that persists in opposition to a violent, inequitable, and unjust world. Jesus’ position brought him under judgment and led to his death.
Easter people believe in justice. Easter people believe in peace. Easter people believe in accountability. Easter people believe in love.
Prayer Phrase
“…my God turns my darkness into light” (Psalm 18:28).
Spiritual Practice
Light
Close your eyes and become centered with your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light, and it lives in you.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.