- Ruth
Bell Graham’s tombstone etching.
Indeed,
God will never be done with us in this world until our final breath has been
exhaled. We will always be under construction. God’s church will
always be in need of spiritual transformation. Our world will always be
in need of renewal. Our God is in the midst of, and leading us, through
the construction.
The
challenges of this world are great. At this moment in time world leaders
are wrestling with what to do in regards to chemical attacks and build ups of
nuclear arsenals. Others are leading the charge over what to do in
regards to the epidemic of mass starvation throughout Africa. Medical
professionals and research scientists are working hard to find new pathways for
health and healing in the myriad of medical problems we face. Innocent
children are in fear of their lives over the border violence and civil war
clashes in Sudan and Syria. Refugees languish for years in camps waiting
for a breakthrough of new life. Grassroots teams of local leaders in
Austin are working together to tackle the problems of rampant drug use.
These stories are ones that make headlines and yet the stories of challenge and
hardship are countless. What are we to do as individuals? What are
we to give our lives to as community? How then shall we live?
This
week we are reminded through the story of Scripture that we are called to be an
empty tomb people. We do not live as a people that say, “He has been
raised,” but rather, “He IS Risen!” We do not live as though death,
suffering, and pain will have the last word but rather that God’s life and love
will win. We are called to bring resurrection life into the now. We
are called to bring grace, hope, and mercy into every intersection of
life. We do not throw our hands up in despair but dig deeper into the
rich soil of new life that God promises as we take on these challenges
together. He IS Risen and he lives in each of us.
Where
do you most want to experience resurrection in this world….in this
community….in your life? Remember, God is always at work. That work
is being accomplished in and through you!
Yes,
pardon our dust, we are under construction as we bring new life to the world.
Peace
and Hope,
Pastor
Chad
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