Jesus Christ our Living Hope
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" (John 20:19)
Despite the ravaging coronavirus pandemic and the corresponding lockdown, I have continued celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ all week, with daily meditations on the post-resurrection appearances. Christ is risen indeed – Hallelujah! Celebration is in order, and I have encouraged all near me to keep the mood high in commemoration of this great victory. One may ask, how can you keep the mood high yet neighbours are hungry and government supplies are not only insufficient but also taking too long? How can you celebrate in the face of uncertainties about the future when jobs and markets are disrupted? How can you keep celebrating when the bereaved can’t even have the chance to mourn and bury their dead honourably? How can you celebrate when…?
At some point the disciples were in a similar state of confusion, also in a lockdown for fear of the enemies who had finished the gang leader. As they still tried to make sense of their confusion and the uncertain future ahead, perhaps in a little conference or silent time behind locked doors, a ‘ghost’ appeared and stood among them – to make matters worse! Quickly he introduced himself with the famous greeting, ‘Peace be upon you!’ A familiar voice accompanied by the display of pieced hands convinced the bewildered disciples that it was the risen Lord Jesus Christ. He went on to converse with them a little, eat with them, pray for them and then he left.
Answers may be somehow elusive as to what our situation requires today, but we can be sure of this: The Lord is present with us, and He is our Living Hope. When we cast our anxieties upon Him, the way out may be rough and tough, but eventually He will give us the victory. Three particular responses are demanded: First, we need to receive the Lord’s greeting of “Peace”. His peace is ‘beyond human understanding’ – you can receive it even in the face of challenges and tough circumstances. Secondly, practice what the Lord Jesus taught us – to love one another; such concern for others will lead us to respond to various needs both at home and in the neighbourhood, as well as in generous giving to those we can reach.
Thirdly and most importantly, we need to prophesy and receive prophecy. God is not silent; He speaks, even through circumstances such as these. While we carefully listen to God and read His Word, we need to lead out family members in continuous devotions, and tell one another what we hear God speaking to our generation. In the same way the disciples were commissioned, so are we sent out. May God bless you as you receive His Peace, as you Practice love for neighbour, and as you Prophesy.
God bless you all. Have a Blessed Easter season!