Pastor's Message

For May 2012

Thoughts I’d Like To Share ........

One of the lasting impressions of the Resurrection is “this isn’t over yet!”  There is no sense of finality about it at all!  The mystery alone drives our deepest sense of wonder and curiosity.  The message carried by the discoverers of the empty tomb had nothing to do with “it’s over” and everything to do with “this isn’t over yet!”

I always get a chuckle out of the scriptural passages that tell us, in one version of the story; the hearers of the startling news that the tomb was empty felt it to be an idle tale and dismissed it as such.  They soon discovered “it wasn’t over yet.”  Heading back home and back to work their disbelief was dramatically transformed into the affirmation and way of faith that is ours in this day long removed.  Thomas, so it would seem, was not the only doubter!  First it was the discoverers who learned “this isn’t over yet” when they encountered the risen Lord as they ran back to inform their compatriots of the good news.  Using today’s language we would say that Jesus simply said “hello” to them. They knew in an instant that “this isn’t over yet.”  Then there were the two travelers on their way home.  They were so caught up in their own dealings with the confusions of life they had no idea that Jesus was walking with them.  Crucifixion placed him so markedly out of context for them it was logical they wouldn’t recognize him.  Ever fail to recognize someone you know so fully in one context that you are caught off guard when they say “hello” in another context?  It’s happened to me – quite embarrassing!  So, here they are walking along late in the day and when they stop to eat they suddenly discover “this isn’t over yet!”  Now they see their friend in a familiar setting – breaking bread with them.  Oh my!  This isn’t over yet!

It gets better.  Upon arrival back in Capernaum, after some unknown length of time, the faithful followers go back to work.  They go fishing – it was once their livelihood and for all they knew it would be again.  After an unproductive night on the water something strangely familiar happened.  A voice called out to them from the shore and in a matter of moments they knew “this isn’t over yet!”  Their empty net was now teaming with fish and they were being invited to breakfast.  Awaiting them was a fire with bread and fish cooking.  “Bring some of the fish you just caught…” no, “this isn’t over yet!”

There is no way to know what transpired in that ensuing conversation but I am convinced Jesus told them “this isn’t over yet!”  Faith heritage tells us that there was a commissioning, a sending forth, a reaffirmation of what needed to be done and why.  We don’t know what happened with the   disciples as the years went by.  There are stories and legends but nothing definitive. What we do know is they must have been convinced in life changing ways that “this isn’t over yet!” Certainly they must have spread that word enthusiastically and effectively because here we are!

That’s the message of the Resurrection.  “This isn’t over yet!”  God’s plan and purpose is still unfolding.  I think of the message given to the Pilgrims by their Pastor, John Robinson, as they set sail for the new world: “The Lord hath yet more light and truth to break forth from His word.” 

No doubt about it, “this isn’t over yet!”  The sense of excitement, curiosity, wonder and awe remain! 

 Rev. L. Walter

(page updated 5/7/2012