So Where Is Jesus NOW?

A good question. To many, the Gospel stories are only history, how things were 200 years ago. To others, these are good tales, morality exercises which help us to keep our communities safe and sane. Scriptures to be read on this upcoming weekend challenge the hearers to know that these accounts are more than idle tales, and that the Christ permeates and exceeds more than the dates of Jesus! Church leaders across generations have attempted with various success to locate belief in a proactive God in the workings of Jesus then and now.

During the Season of Easter, the first readings are from Luke’s ACTS of the APOSTLES. Today we hear about the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian to be martyred for his faith and accompanying good works (7:55-60). Some will rightly see this text as an introduction to Saul/Paul–but it stands alone really well, reporting Stephen’s speech: “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right side of God”. Seems as if he could see where Jesus was before he died. Be assured that those of us who adopt an alternative lifestyle will continue to be stoned by those other folks who march to the drumbeat of money, muskets and malice. Be also assured that this Gospel of justice and mercy, kindness and worship, will survive when other gods crumble.

We then turn to I PETER 2:2-10, words of encouragement to those feeling rejected. The text that springs out at me tells the Church that “like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ…” Sounds to me as though JESUS is doing the work, and our role is to give him a place and permission to do so. The eternal Jesus thus becomes the architect for our lives’ direction and solace. “Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people…”

JOHN 14:1-7 is often used at funerals to assure the mourners of the care of Jesus, who prepares a place for us. It speaks of the holy role of not only Jesus, but of the many who have/will follow him. My friend Thomas–a good man–speaks the question we’ve all wondered about: “Lord, we don’t know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus’ answer gives us comfort: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life…” His disciples are now to enter a time of uncertainty: where is the Kingdom, where is Wholeness as the Crucifixion dashes all their dreams? “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me.”

It’s fairly easy to affirm these things from my cozy post-Easter study. Yet these readings remind us that Jesus is most often found on the front lines, right in the thick of being merciful to the needy and storm-tossed.

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

You’re invited to explore and be challenged by lessons to be read on the upcoming weekend–every Tuesday at horacebrownking.com