We experienced yesterday what probably most churches in America experienced-a swell in attendance. It was good to see. Honestly, I used to “pick” at those who are called C & E Christians. That’s Christmas and Easter for those of you who may not know.
Not any more. I am glad just to see people. There are several reasons for that:
- With the advent and further use of live streaming, many who were there yesterday watch each week from home. It was good to see them, but I know they are “attending” by watching.
- There were some who were there because mom or dad invited them. Yeah for mom and dad! 🙂
- There were some who were there because a friend saw an opportunity to use the open door of a holiday.
- There were some who were there because some traumatic event has happened and they are trying to make sense of it all and are searching for answers.
- There were some who may have been there out of curiosity.
I love the last 4 especially because it is an opportunity to give them hope by talking about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. I may only get this one shot to share the love of Jesus with them.
Resurrection Sunday also gives another conundrum. What about next Sunday? Let’s shorten the time frame. What about today or tomorrow? Will we go back to life as usual or will we allow the truth, the life-changing experience of the resurrection to change the way we live and operate our daily lives? Christian writer, Sam Allberry wrote: “Many Christians, while believing in the resurrection and rehearsing that belief every Easter Sunday, effectively stick it back in the drawer for the rest of the year because they are at a loss of what to do with it.” (Quoted in Hope in Times of Stress by Timothy Keller- p.xxi)
That is a seriously important quote to consider. All the talk, all the sermons, all the banter about the Resurrection is meaningless if life is not different on the inside.
Take on the challenge to allow the truth of the Resurrection to change how you operate-with God and with people.
