Liturgical Note: During the Easter Season all the Epistle
readings come from Revelation. They show us the work of the risen and ascended
Jesus in and through the Church as he leads us to the final victory over sin
and death.
There is a lot to fear in this world. Violence, political
corruption, betrayal, oppression, pollution, loneliness, and death are all part
of the everyday experiences of this world. Watch the news! Or, better yet, just
take my word for it and save yourself the depressing experience.
As we read Revelation we find John in a fearful
situation. He is in exile. He is suffering for the sake of the Gospel. It is a
time of persecution of the Church and violence against God’s people … something
we still experience in the world.
In the midst of this Jesus appears to John in all his
glory. It was an overwhelming experience. Notice that John falls as a dead man
before the risen Christ. There is fear for the sinner here, too. But Jesus
speaks to John. He speaks a message that we all need to hear. He says, ““Fear
not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died,
and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”
Fear not. Why not? Because Jesus died and is alive
forevermore. He has the true power in this world and he is using it to save us.
Normally we think of Jesus salvation in terms of
forgiveness of sins and resurrection from the dead. There are important parts
of Jesus’ salvation. In many ways, though, the message of Revelation reminds us
that God created a perfect world that we have corrupted. His salvation includes
restoring the creation – setting all things right – so that we need not fear.
What do you fear? How does Jesus resurrection speak to
that fear?
Lord Jesus, you are
the first and the last, the living one. You died, and behold you are alive
forevermore. Thank you for proclaiming to us, “Fear not!” Forgive us for the
times that we are more overwhelmed by the fears of this world than we are by
your glory, love, and grace. Touch us and revive us, and fill us with courage
to live our lives in the hope of your salvation, forgiveness, resurrection, and
the coming New Creation where we will live with you in perfect peace. Amen.
Comments