In April, we will celebrate the greatest moment in all of known (and unknown) history, the resurrection of Jesus Christ! Such a monumentous occasion that spelled the doom of death, the absolution of sin, and the reconnection between God and His creation. Churches will be more crowded than usual, with people dressed in their “Easter Sunday best,” as my Grandmother would call it. Songs of praise will be sung, scriptures will be read, and the whole Christian community will proclaim, Christ is alive! Such a statement stipulates that death no longer chains us; we are not defined by our sins, failures, or weaknesses, but by our identity as followers of Christ, and we have a heavenly Father who seeks to connect with and guide us through this life! Again, hopefully, each church will loudly proclaim the truth that Christ is alive!

And then Monday will arrive.

Let me confess a sin to you, dear reader, I often do not live my life as though I believed that Christ is indeed alive. Now, I know in my heart of hearts that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a fact and an undebatable truth. But when it comes to actually living out that truth, there lies my struggle. Behind a pulpit or within a Bible Study, I can proclaim, loudly, the truth of truths. But for me to retain such a proclamation in my day-to-day living and thinking, well, I struggle. I would imagine the same thing happens to you, so do not feel alone.

I’m not going to offer an immediate cure-all to this particular issue, even though I know the cure. The solution is to trust in Jesus, right? To lay our burdens at his feet and follow in his ways! I know this, we know this, but in practice, it is often frustrating and day by day, or minute by minute, a struggle. If I truly believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, why can I not simply live my life without fear, worry, or the anxiety of having to face trials? Is my faith lacking? Am I a bad Christian?

As to my faith lacking, or anyone’s faith lacking, the answer is a simple yes. Everyone on this earth, every church, every Christian, and every denomination could work on their faith in Christ. Our pursuit of Jesus is always lacking, hence why he had to go to the cross and defeat death, because of our inability to save ourselves. But being aware of and working on the lack of faith is what counts. Such work draws us closer to Jesus, but it doesn’t save us (just to be clear). We have been saved by our faith in Christ, despite our limitations and weaknesses. We should seek him because we want to be with him, not because he can do something for us. Turning towards Jesus allows him to shape our perspective in ways that affirm and strengthen our faith, which in turn enables us to face obstacles with greater endurance.

A few Sundays ago, a beloved sister in Christ who had been battling cancer and health issues for many years walked back into our church. It had been more than a year since she was able to worship with her faith family, and we were able to embrace and welcome her back into the fold of the community. What a miracle to witness, what a day to celebrate, what a moment of…Dare I say it… resurrection? If we tune our focus on Jesus, he will point out the moments of resurrection that happen all around us each day. Soul’s returning to the Lord, youth growing in their faith, the sick being made well, lost being found, and those who have gone on to the Glory of God! Each is a miracle, each is a moment that reminds us of the truth of the Gospel and the truth of the resurrection.

Remember, even the Apostles first struggled with grasping the meaning and purpose of Christ’s defeat of death. Actually, they initially rejected it! They doubted it! They completely disregarded even the possibility of its occurrence until Jesus appeared directly to them and convinced them otherwise. Oh, how I wish I could have that experience, that would solve all my problems…at least that is my thought. But here is the truth: God has shown me in hundreds of ways his purposes, his promises, and his presence. And for brief moments, I am assuaged of my doubt and fear, only for it to return once again. The solution does not lie in God making it easier for me, but in turning my focus and heart to the ways of the Lord. To see the ways of wonders and divine presence for what they truly are, the living proof of God’s presence among us, the living proof of the resurrection.

May we loudly proclaim, “Christ is alive,” this Easter! But may we also adopt or reclaim a Resurrected Spirit that tunes our eyes, souls, and hearts towards the living proof of Christ’s redemption alive and well among us.

Amen!

—

Pastor Mike McVey
Minister – First United Methodist Church, Fairfield, TX
ACS Chaplain – United States Coast Guard, Station Galveston, TX
Cell: 919-935-2513
Email: pastormike@fumcfairfield.org

*”Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them
to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20*

*”Semper Paratus” – Always Ready*