To live the life of the Resurrection

NORSK
Since many of us are still in Easter modus I want to post the question:

“Have you ever thought about the Spirit’s role in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ?”

If I was to ask this question in a Bible study, I am sure that some would answer “Yes!” – and if you have followed this blog for a while, you will know that the Spirit is the giver of life. The creation story tells us that it was the breath of God that brought Adam to life (1) and if you are attending The Salvation Army, you are likely to have stated that you believe in the regeneration by the Holy Spirit (2).

Paul prayed many prayers for the Ephesians, and in one them he prays: that you may know God’s:

“… incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead…”
Eph 1:19-20

Jesus was clear that this power is The holy spirit (3). So when I tomorrow greet the people I meet with the statement: “Christ is risen!”, I am also believing and confirming the mystery that the power that raised him from the dead is for me. Therefore, being conscious of the fact that I as a believer is living the life of the Resurrection even as I live my life here on earth, becomes vital for the continuous unwrapping of the gifts of the Spirit.

‘Manna’ for today:

To live the life of the Resurrection, means to pass on the power of The holy spirit

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(1) Genesis 2:7
(2) “We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, are necessary to salvation” The Salvation Army’s seventh doctrine.
(3) Acts 1:8

Where is he? - a time for everything *

NORSK
When Jesus had the last intensive period of teaching together with his disciples just before his death, he said:

“In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”
John 16:16 

As usual, this statement made the disciples confused. They spoke among themselves, and as usual Jesus grasped the opportunity to explain once more what he had already told many times on their common journey up to Jerusalem.

Nevertheless, only after the resurrection, they started to understand what he really meant. How Jesus revealed himself became an important confirmation of the teaching he had given prior to the crucifixion, and as the wonderful pedagogue Jesus was (and is) (1), he used frequent repetition: He appeared and disappeared repeatedly during the 40 days leading up to the day he ascended to heaven.

I think he chose this strategy so that the disciples could understand that he is there all the time. When the Holy Spirit fell on the day of Pentecost, I believe they were finally convinced: Jesus is always with us.

‘Manna’ for today:

Jesus is always with me!

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(1) If you are interested to read more about Jesus as the 'pedagogue' - you can read a longer article HERE - unfortunately only available in google translate. 
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the ime between Easter and Pentecost

The small signs - a time for everything *

NORSK
The picture in yesterday's reflection (see below) was taken while I was speaking in Ialoveni last Sunday. The outstretched arms illustrate Jesus' hands nailed to the cross as a sign that God embraces the whole world in an expression of love.

That is how I also think he came to earth: As a little child with outstretched hands. The Christmas story tells us that Mary "wrapped him" (1) just after he was born. In Eastern Europe, we still see babies being wrapped, and then his hands are not visible. The expression of the embracing God is hidden.

It is strange that one of the worst examples of evil, crucifixion, stretched out the arms of Jesus to a wide embrace, which transforms the cross to a symbol of ultimate love.

After Jesus 'death, I read that Joseph from Arimatea took down the body of Jesus, “wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb” (2). In other words, the symbol of God embracing the world was once again hidden by people who would only do the best.
 
I think that's why it was important that Jesus when he rose from the grave the left linen behind (3). It wasn’t just a sign that Jesus has risen and death was defeated, but also a sign that no power any longer has power to conceal God's extended love for the world. However, often with good intention, people are able to scourge the gospel in a way that people do not see the open embrace of love. Perhaps because we often meet expectations rather than love. Love must always come before expectations of response. If not, it's not love.

‘Manna’ for today:

Thank God, for all the little signs of your love.

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(1) See Luke 2:7
(2) See Luke 23:53
(3) See Luke 24:12 
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the ime between Easter and Pentecost

A happiness created for rest - a time for everything *

NORSK
Before I leave the story about how Thomas recognized Jesus as risen from the dead, I will make yet another reflection. Thomas saw Jesus, and I think that he also recognized that Jesus had seen him, when he proclaimed:

“My Lord and my God!”

Jesus' response contains important teaching:

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:28-29  

Many attempts have been made to give a good definition of what it means to be ‘blessed’. When I experience a calm and restful happiness, I will define myself as blessed. I know that kind of happiness every time I sense that the Kingdom of God works in accordance with how the Bible says it should work.

When this happens, Jesus, who is not physically visible, becomes real and ‘visible’ in the presence this unique blessing. I do not see, but I still see with the eyes of faith, which confirm that what I see, is Jesus in action in my time. It gives me a happiness created for rest.

Today's 'manna':

I recognize Jesus in a happiness created for rest

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* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 
 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost.

What he does! - a time for everything*

NORSK
The two men walking on the road to Emmaus did not recognize him as he joined them and became their traveling companion. They did not recognize him when they talked to him about Jesus. There may be several reasons for this. When I walk towards a destination, my eyes will dwell on the road and not on my companions.

If it's someone I know well, I may still recognize their voices.

Maria did only recognize his voice when he uttered her name. There is nothing in the Emmaus story that indicates that Jesus called their names and thus revealed that he knew them.

Yet they recognized him again in the end:

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
Luke 24:30-31

They recognized him because of what he did. I do not know when they had seen Jesus giving thanks and breaking the bread. Maybe it was when he fed 5,000? Or maybe it was in a smaller group? That Jesus suddenly disappeared when 'their eyes were opened', confirms the theory I presented yesterday that Jesus used it as a practical recognition exercise. This is the second example of sudden recognition, and I will dwell in the Emmaus story for another day.

‘Manna’ for today:

Even today, Jesus is recognized for what he does through his followers.

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* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity'
 Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost.

Recognition (1) - a time for everything*

NORSK
It is very interesting to notice that many of those who saw Jesus after the resurrection did not recognize him at first. They needed time to understand that it was Jesus.

In the course of the next few days I will reflect on a few examples of these ‘revelations’ or ‘discoveries’. It is an easy choice to start with Maria. There was a time when she did not recognize him, and then all of a sudden came an affirmation:

“…she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!”
John 20:14-16

Maria recognized him in the way he called her name. There is a ‘flavour’ of something prophetic by recognizing him in the way he calls us by our names. Isaiah prophesied to the people of Israel:

I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1b

Why was this an important part of Jesus' teaching in the 40 days he had at his disposal?

I think it was important for the resurrected Jesus that the believers eventually would discover him in one another. Therefore, he practically 'trained' them to recognise him so that they would recognise him in revealed in his future body – the church. This is my simple belief, and several examples will follow.

‘Manna’ for today:

I know him in the way he calls me.

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(1) The illustration in the logo of the label “His Master's Voice” is the dog 'Nipper' listening to his master’s voice. 
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity'
 Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost.

Why choose Galilee? - a time for everything

NORSK
It is still Easter – at least in the orthodox part of the world. We are still in Jerusalem, and when I began the journey up to Jerusalem, I asked the question “What is the most special aspect of Jerusalem?”

Yesterday the angel asked the women to tell the disciples that Jesus

“…is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him…” Matthew 28:7

Why Galilee? Jesus had spent much time there, and I do not think it was accidental that he wanted to meet there again. When John the Baptist was imprisoned Matthew writes that Jesus “withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum” He also writes that this was a fulfillment of one of the prophecies of Isaiah (1) who called the area “Galilee of the Gentiles” (2). In other words, an area which was inhabited by people from several nations in addition to Jews.

There may be several reasons why Jesus would meet them there after the resurrection. He had once more a limited period of 40 days to "repair" any misunderstanding and to make them ready to receive the Holy Spirit. Because Galilee was a good distance away from the center of power, it was likely that they could work undisturbed there. The distance between Jerusalem and Capernaum is app 130 km.

Still, I like to think that it was even more important for Jesus to remind his disciples that the gospel applies to all nations. It is easier to do where 'Gentiles' live.

Therefore, even in the first message given after the resurrection, there is an element of guidance and teaching. They should be prepared for a new ‘module’ of teaching - it is a time for everything.

‘Manna’ for today:

A time to reaffirm the mission and the foundation of the mission

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(1) Isa 9:1-2
(2) Matt 4:12-15
(3) The area around the Sea of Galilee
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity'
 Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost.

Knowing that it applies to all - a step on the journey

NORSK
... and this step will be the last in this reflection series. Easter week confirms that Jesus includes everyone.

Maybe some of the readers were a little bit puzzled when I yesterday wrote that we need the rich. It was not to exclude the poor or anybody else - rather, my intention was to include the rich as well. When I today read the resurrection message once again, it is the women who are entrusted with the marvelous mission to convey that Jesus is risen. The angel said to them:

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
Matthew 28:6-7

I have never understood those who dare to challenge God's commissioning of women as messengers of the gospel’s most important confirmation that life has triumphed over death. Therefore, I have to be very clear when I address people in cultures where old gender roles affect women's rights to equal ministry with men inside the church.

But it is not just women and rich that are included in the Easter gospel. When Jesus came to Jerusalem, he went directly to the temple and I read that the children shouted in the sanctuary: “Hosanna to the Son of David.” The scribes were indignant and asked if Jesus heard what they were saying, and Jesus replied:

“Yes, but have you never read, ‘From the lips of children and infant you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?” (1)
Matt 21:15-16

The children were included, so were the sick, the robber, the roman soldiers who crucified Jesus, Mary and the disciples. All are included! 
However, it is my choice whether or not I want to be included.

‘Manna’ for today:

I am included in the new life. I have made a very good choice!

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(1) Psalm 8:2