John 20 - Freedom and Responsibility - Leading with Confidence

        The crazy thing about Jesus is that He truly loves us.  Risen from the dead He showed Himself to Mary and said, “...go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God’” (20:17).  What an incredible blessing for Mary.  What a loving and exciting blessing for His dear friends.  Jesus is like one of those people (not me) who knows how to plan really good gifts.  He enjoys the giving and loves to creatively show His love to us.  "So don't be misled, my dear brothers.  Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens.   He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.  He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word.  And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession" (James 1:16-18).

        Jesus called His disciples His brothers.  Jesus had biological brothers and we know that at least two of them called Him their Lord and Master and that they believed in Him (Jude and James).  But Jesus' prayer for unity was not just for His disciples.  It was for us too! (John 17:20-21).  Jesus calls us His brothers and sisters.  Astonishing.  He tells us we have a home and a Father who truly loves us.  All of us.

        Peter had just denied Him.  The disciples were afraid and confused.  But Jesus couldn’t wait to tell them, “Peace be with you” (20:19).  It’s like the greatest surprise of all time.  The best of news.  The greatest of victories.  It’s okay.  It’s going to be okay.  God knows what we’ve gone through and what we are going through.  We will get through this.  We are victorious in our Savior.  Jesus loves us, went ahead of us, and gives us God’s peace.  He took our sin and shame on the cross, and He has the wounds to prove it.  And He promises us the future.

        Now Jesus, just as He did with the disciples, gives us, God’s children, His peace.  From Jesus we receive the Holy Spirit and He sends us out today as His representatives to care and heal and administer His grace and justice.  It’s a day to be churchmen, Jesus men.

        My prayer for my amazing family and friends today is that they tackle the adventure before them with renewed commitment.  Growth takes self control.  And what a blessing when you've trained well and are ready to run well.  I know God will help all of you succeed as you counsel others today, parent well, share, encourage, lead, and build.

        Dear Jesus, as we think about and look forward to celebrating Easter Sunday we think about how You love us.  It is so good that we shake our heads in amazement and weep with joy.  We are unworthy we know, but with Your peace and the protection and guidance of the Holy Spirit we will go and do what You send us to do today.

        May we all work hard knowing that our labor is not in vain, but that in just the right time it will produce great fruit (1 Corinthians 15:57-58).  And may we be willing to go and do what needs to be done, as bright lights shining out the darkness with the glory and righteous power of You, our Savior.

        In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

It's planting season again!