In Luke’s Gospel (Lk:24, 37) we hear of how Jesus appeared to his disciples in the upper room, even though the doors were locked, and everyone was terrified. They didn’t know what was going on. Who or what was this that was suddenly standing amongst them wishing them peace? Was it a ghost? Certainly, it couldn’t be Jesus, or could it?
The risen Jesus was with them. Having realized this I bet the mood in that room changed from one of fear and disbelief to one of excitement and joy, then thanksgiving, and finally peace. And who knows, maybe even some laughing, hugging and high fives. And that’s what we want too isn’t it? A more peaceful and joyful life, even with all of our stresses, worries, and burdens.
We can have that life if we encounter him, and know that he’s alive, just like the disciples did. In fact, Jesus took the beatings, the name calling, being spit on, the crown, the nails, the cross, and even death those many years ago, conquered it, and rose from the dead so that he could be with us and have a real relationship with us right now.
Sometimes though it can be hard for us to be certain that he’s with us. Where is he when our life becomes so blah and routine that we just go through the same motions every day? Where is he when we are so stressed and burdened that we don’t feel we have the energy or motivation to make it through even one more day? Where is he when someone we thought loved us, leaves us? Where is he when we or someone we love suffers with a life threatening illness? Whenever we are anxious, afraid, stressed, or lonely, God can feel anything but close. So where is he?
I recall paying a visit to my mom, who has since passed, several years ago who was in the hospital in Marquette Michigan. I was told by her doctor that her kidneys had failed and due to her physical condition that dialysis was not possible. They would try a medicine, but if it didn’t help, that we should just let her body do what it will do and eventually let her pass. This was hard news to hear. So I made the 8 hour drive to meet my brothers and sister and to see my mom. It was when I arrived in the hospital that I first recognized him.
There he was, God, working through the doctor and nurses to take care of my mom and comfort my siblings and I. Well the medicine seemed to work. Her kidneys began to function and we were able to transfer my mom to a nursing home in our home town. After getting her settled, and while I was sitting next to her bed, a friend of mine sent me a text message saying, “Everyone here at church praying for your mom.” Well that touched my heart and I told my mom that everyone at my church was praying for her. There was a sparkle in her eyes and joy in her voice when she answered, “For me?” There he was again, God working through my friend and church to comfort and bring peace to my mom. So where is he?
I can tell you that our God is not dead. He is alive and he is with us, right now, in the middle of our routine lives, in our anxiety, pain, brokenness or whatever it is we are going through. We just need to learn to notice him. Simply by taking time to reflect on our day, we can know that we felt his touch through a hug, a handshake, a pat on the back, or a helping hand. We can recognize his voice in a kind word, a good morning, or a hello. We can see him in a smile, a wave, or a kind act. He’s alive. In fact, his love for us is so deep that he never leaves us alone, and he wants us to tell others.
Jesus tells his disciples, “You are witnesses of these things.” Of what things? Of the resurrection. They were with him, they touched him and they knew that he really did rise from the dead, that he really was alive. And that’s our mission too. We know that he rose from the dead, we know that he really is alive when we encounter him. And when we do, we are called to be witnesses of this risen Jesus to one another. We become the one offering a gentle touch, a friendly smile, a listening ear, and a kind word. We become the ones showing others and proclaiming the good news that, “He’s Alive.”
Did you see him yesterday?
Remember, you were at the store, your kids were squirming in your shopping cart. You were searching your purse for your debit card, feeling bad that you were holding up the line and someone smiled at you and commented on how cute your kids were?
Remember, you shared your feelings of pain and brokenness with your friends and they shared your tears, hugged and held you in their arms?
Remember, you called your brother to tell him you were sick and didn’t have much longer to live, and he rushed to your side to be with you and tell you how much he loved you?
Did you see him yesterday? Because he saw you.