Let the Easter celebration continue...
Illustration
Let the Easter celebration continue!
In the ancient church, this Sunday was called Jubilate. Liturgical churches opened their worship with an introit from Psalm 66: "Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: sing forth the honor of his Name, make his praise glorious!"
It was winter in Jerusalem as they gathered for the traditional Feast of Dedication. But the heat was on Jesus as he entered the temple. Stones in hand, they circled Jesus and told him to stop aggravating them. Then, again they asked, "Are you the Christ?"
The answer was a challenge --a challenge to get involved with the flock and then decide. Because we have done that, we have experienced the answer --and we celebrate Easter every Sunday.
It may be springtime in New England, but it can still be winter in your home. Maybe the heat is on you, as you move about in your daily life. Living with a resurrection faith may even turn the heat up, not down. Life is made up of scores of little, tough decisions which we now consciously make, in accordance with what we believe to be his will. It may be small things --an attitude toward a fellow worker, filling out an expense sheet. Sheep still sweat, and sheep still stumble. But these sheep have a shepherd.
Let the Easter celebration continue!
In the ancient church, this Sunday was called Jubilate. Liturgical churches opened their worship with an introit from Psalm 66: "Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: sing forth the honor of his Name, make his praise glorious!"
It was winter in Jerusalem as they gathered for the traditional Feast of Dedication. But the heat was on Jesus as he entered the temple. Stones in hand, they circled Jesus and told him to stop aggravating them. Then, again they asked, "Are you the Christ?"
The answer was a challenge --a challenge to get involved with the flock and then decide. Because we have done that, we have experienced the answer --and we celebrate Easter every Sunday.
It may be springtime in New England, but it can still be winter in your home. Maybe the heat is on you, as you move about in your daily life. Living with a resurrection faith may even turn the heat up, not down. Life is made up of scores of little, tough decisions which we now consciously make, in accordance with what we believe to be his will. It may be small things --an attitude toward a fellow worker, filling out an expense sheet. Sheep still sweat, and sheep still stumble. But these sheep have a shepherd.
Let the Easter celebration continue!
