Easter 2018
Easter 2018: “You had to be there!”
YBA Executive Chair Liz Allen writes: "Has a friend recounted a humorous story of something they’ve experienced but you just didn’t ‘get it’ … you couldn’t see what was so funny? Sometimes the other person may say: “Ah well – you just had to be there!” Hearing the story of another’s experience is not always enough for the listener to understand. Last summer I experienced the total solar eclipse in the USA. “Awesome” is a much-used term (especially in America). The whole phenomenon was filmed by NASA and shown worldwide on TV … but, I have to say, even that didn’t do it justice … you had to be there to experience, appreciate, realise the full impact!
What is your experience of the crucified, risen and ascended Jesus? Have you met Him in your confusion; because of a miraculous act; through your tears; His voice speaking your name into your very soul, perhaps as you pray or worship, or in times of anguish; exploring the scriptures; at the breaking of bread; in the midst of persecution or the whirlwind of your doubts and unbelief? In all these times and places, and more, Jesus is with us by His Holy Spirit. Maybe you’ve been a Christian for a long time? Perhaps there is a danger that familiarity breeds, if not contempt, then apathy or indifference as we hear again the recounting of the story of the passion and resurrection? I love the words of the song ‘The Wonder of the Cross’, by Vicky Beeching which includes the lines: “Though my eyes linger on this scene, may passing time and years not steal the power with which it impacts me … the freshness of its mystery”. As we celebrate Easter, my prayer for all of us is that we will experience our awesome God in ways that will leave us changed, inspired and ready to go out as His ambassadors … His hands and feet … taking the good news to a needy world. For their sake … we have to be there!
|