1 Corinthians 15:12-28 All or Nothing

 

Observation: Paul writes to Christians in Corinth, who are struggling with the first, and I'd say mots important question of the Christian faith. "Did God really raise Jesus from the dead? Really?" Paul does not equivocate. He doesn't give any wiggle room. If Christ has not been raised, there is no point to any of this. But in fact Christ HAS been raised from the dead. 

Application: As Paul says, the resurrection of Jesus is an "all or nothing" moment for our faith. Many have tried, not just in modern times, to find meaning in the story of Jesus' rising as a metaphor for the new life of spring, new hope after hard times, healing after hurts, or any number of other things. Sure, the Easter story can work as a metaphor. But so can any other story. If Jesus didn't rise, then I might just as well find solace in Lord of the Rings or any other piece of writing, fiction or nonfiction, that comforts my soul in this life. If Jesus isn't alive, then any story that gets your through the night is as good as the next. 

But, with Paul, we proclaim that Jesus did rise. He is alive. He is active in our lives today. And God will raise us too. 

A word from one of my favorite poems, John Updike's Seven Stanzas At Easter :

Let us not mock God with metaphor,
analogy, sidestepping, transcendence;
making of the event a parable, a sign painted in the
faded credulity of earlier ages:
let us walk through the door.

The stone is rolled back, not papier-mâché,
not a stone in a story,
but the vast rock of materiality that in the slow
grinding of time will eclipse for each of us
the wide light of day.

Prayer: Lord, I can't pretend that my faith is unwavering. I won't pretend I never doubt you, or question sometimes how your rising speaks to the sorrows in my life or the lives of those in my care. It's true. Sometimes, I do. Thank you for showing up in my life anyway. Thank you for appearing to me through the words and actions of friends, family and siblings in Christ. Thank you for rising in my heart, even in times I thought it was broken beyond repair. In your strong name I pray. Amen. 

Colossians 3:12-17 Getting Dressed Up

 

Observation: Paul writes to the Colossian Christians with some practical advice for life together as a community. He lifts up virtues and traits they should pursue, like kindness, humility, meekness, patience and forgiveness. The phrase that stands out for me is the one thing he lists separately: "above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." 

Application: I appreciate Paul's advice of putting on love like a garment. This past week--Holy Week--I paid a lot more attention than usual to what I was wearing. Robes, stoles of various colors, clerical shirts with tab collars all had to be clean and ready to go at the right time. Each morning I had to think through which particular part of Jesus' story we'd be telling that day, and dress accordingly. It always takes a little extra effort and forethought, to be ready to represent myself the way I want others to see me. 

Clothing ourselves with love is just the same way. Like it or not, Love--at least the unconditional "Agape" love Paul talks about--is not just a natural part of our bodies that goes with us everywhere. Like a garment, it's something we have to consciously put on. Which means it's something we have to have ready in the morning, in the midst of all the other tasks we have to do. Just as important as taking a shower, eating breakfast, taking vitamins or other meds, brushing your hair (if you have any) is whatever practice you have of preparing to wear God's love into the world. Maybe it's a time of prayer and meditation. Maybe it's a daily affirmation in front of the mirror. Maybe it's just turning off the radio in the last five minutes of your commute, taking a deep breath before you walk into work, and saying, "Okay God, let's do this." Whatever you do, it's on purpose. It doesn't happen by accident, any more than wearing pants happens by accident. It's part of your day, and it sets the direction the day will go. 

Happy Tuesday, folks. Did we remember to put on love? 

Prayer: God, help me put on love like a garment. Help me break it in with frequent wear. Help me remember to care for it, like everything else I wear. Help me remember where I keep it so I can reach for it before going out the door. In Jesus' name, Amen.