SCRIPTURE: Acts 5:30
(CEB)
The God of our
ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.
STORY shared by Beauty
Maenzanise:
A young girl of primary school age was visiting her
grandparents soon after the Zimbabwe liberation struggle. When she was with
them, she noticed there was no United Methodist Church in their area. Without
fear of what adults might say, this little child organized a worship service at
her grandparents’ homestead. Many Christians in Zimbabwe were still hiding for
fear of being discovered and persecuted for their faith affiliation. But such
fear found no place in the heart of this young girl. Today a flourishing parish
exists precisely because of this young girl. Christ is risen! Christ is risen
indeed!
OBSERVATION:
A single child didn’t know enough to be afraid. A single
child didn’t live in terror. A single child dared to do what others were
fearful of doing. A single child believed the Easter declaration and stepped out
with courage. A single, young child! With holy boldness she followed her heart.
Yesterday terror struck in Boston. A single act of
anger ... a single act of hate ... a
single strike for terror. A single act meant to bring fear into our lives. A
single act by a coward ... a single act by someone who would like to destroy
our liberty and wipe away our freedom ... a single act by someone who wanted to
crucify Christ all over again ... a single act that would have put Christ back
into the grave. But, alas Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!
Our initial reaction was sadness and sympathy for those
touched by this tragedy. Our initial reaction was to recall 9/11 and point a
finger towards those of a different nationality and faith. Our initial reaction
was to hunt them down … to get them … to beat them up. Our initial reaction was
anger ... our initial reaction was one of bitterness. But where is the risen
Christ in all of this? Where might be the voice of at least a single young
voice who, in a time of fear, chose to bring people together for worship and
praise.
A test of our resurrection faith came our way yesterday. Do
we respond in fear and anger … or with a living vital faith that would dare
call people together in the backyard of a homestead to worship the risen Christ?
PRAYER:
Guide us Lord … guide us because we are confused. There is a
battle raging within between our love of country and our commitment to be
Kingdom people. Guide us Lord … guide us.
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