A friend once shared a memorable conversation he had with a man known for his deep theological teaching and very serious demeanor. After a while, my friend asked him, “Do you believe that life in Christ is good news?” The speaker, looking exasperated, replied, “Of course.” My friend responded, “Well, you might want to tell your face—because when you talk about Jesus, it looks like you’ve just eaten a lemon.”
Our spiritual journey is a big deal—arguably the most important decision any of us can make. But we have a tendancy, especially in American Christianity, to approach it like a final exam we’re afraid we didn’t study for, instead of embracing it as a relationship with Love.
On Sunday, we began a new series exploring the invitations of Jesus found in the Gospel of John. Ally opened the series with John 11 and the story of Lazarus’ resurrection. She reminded us that each of us is invited into resurrection life with God. I’ve been thinking about that a lot this week.
What does it mean to live a life truly defined by resurrection? If I truly believe Jesus’ words—”I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25)—then my engagement with the world looks radically different from those around me without that hope. Believing He is the resurrection and the life means believing the story ends in goodness, that our lives carry purpose and meaning.
It means choosing to live in love instead of fear. It means learning to follow the Holy Spirit instead of trying to control every circumstance—and every loved one—around me. (That last one is still very much a work in progress.)
I’m so grateful to be invited into this resurrection life alongside each of you. What a beautiful journey—and what an honor it is to worship with people whose faces reflect the joy of life in Christ.
Holly