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Community
Formation Around the Resurrection Experience
Isaiah 25:1-9
Vs. 9 It will be
said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he
might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad
and rejoice in his salvation.
Lord Jesus Christ,
at the fullness of time, came into the world in order to complete God’s
purpose for the human race. He fulfilled all the prophecies about Him
foretold by men of God. He promised His disciples that He will be with
them even to the end of the world. (Matthew 28:20) The disciples held on
to His promise during their lifetime.
We also have the
same promise given by our Lord. The resurrection of the Lord is not just
historical, it is also the connecting link between the present world as
we experience it and the far more glorious heavenly kingdom, yet to be
revealed.
Mary Magdalene was
the first among many to witness the risen Lord. However it took her a
moment to realize that she was standing before the risen Christ Jesus
himself. Even though it took a moment only for the electrifying
revelation, it was enough to last a lifetime, even an eternity. She was
so overwhelmed with pure joy that only one word ‘Rabooni’ escaped her
lips. Lord Jesus calmed her with His words and told her to spread the
news to the disciples.
The disciples had a different kind of resurrection
experience. The two disciples who ran to the tomb understood that the
Lord has risen but did not have the fortune to see Him there. Later, the
Lord revealed himself to them when they had assembled together in a room.
He made His risen presence to Thomas in a compelling fashion. The two
disciples who travelled to Emmaus witnessed the risen Lord and communed
with Him. However, they failed to recognize Him at first hand even though
their hearts were burning within them as they walked and talked with the
Lord.
We are the witnesses
of the Lord in the present world. Can we honestly evaluate our
resurrection experience? Are we failing to recognize Him even though He
is standing close to us? It is time to “Stand therefore, having your
loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of
righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of
peace.”
Ephesians
6:14-15.
The verses from
Isaiah are resounding proclamation of the risen Lord. The common factor
of all those who went through the resurrection experience is their
overwhelming joy and their complete surrender to the Lord. They could not
wait to share their joyful experience with others. They were ecstatic for
two reasons:
(1) They saw
with their own eyes that Jesus has conquered the grave
(2) They have the
assurance of their own salvation and eternal life with Him.
Today also, the
building blocks of community formation remain the same. Let us surrender
ourselves and willingly share the reason of our joy with others.
PRAYER
Lord, enable us
by the Holy Spirit to translate the resurrection experience through our
words and deeds to those around us so that we can build a community as a
forerunner to our heavenly abode. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Let us make way
for the Prince of Peace to enter the hearts of multitudes and establish
His reign of peace and joy.
Abraham Mammen, Epiphany MTC, NY
Christian Education Forum,
Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
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