John
20:19-22
“Jesus said to them again,
‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me,
so I send you.’”
(John
20:21)
I’ve never really been too big on religious slogans or
sayings. Quite honestly, I often find
them trite and too often misused. Some
have become so popular that people mistake them at times for scripture and quote
them as such, though they can’t ever seem to remember the book, chapter and
verse from which they come.
One of these popular axioms is “When one door closes, another one
opens.” It is often used to speak of
opportunity and God’s provision in the midst of challenge. Perhaps there is application in the story of
resurrection and the immediate aftermath.
When the stone was rolled into place, perhaps with a jarring thud to seal
the tomb of Jesus, it could certainly be said that a door was closing. The life and ministry of Jesus, and the hopes
of his followers seemed finished, closed up in death. Yet, in our focal text today, the resurrected
Christ stands before them, fully alive, and soon, so too are their hopes. Another door of opportunity is opening as
Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Salvation empowers service…resurrection
revives calling.
As our Lenten journey concludes, sorrow gives way to joy
and death is overcome by life. One door
closes…another one opens.
Christ is risen! He is risen,
indeed!
Jim Abernathy
Thanks for traveling with me on this Lenten journey. I have appreciated your comments and been
glad for the opportunities to discuss the truths of scripture we have
encountered. May God continue to guide
your steps as you live in the shadow of the cross and the light of the empty
tomb.
Jim
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