Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, March 31, 2024
When my youngest son was learning to read, we bought him a children's bible. If any words were more than one syllable, we would have to help him sound them out. When it came to the part of the story where the resurrection was being proclaimed, my son was determined to say it himself. In complete confidence, he studied the words and then boldly declared, "He is…..Raisins!"
If I am honest, the church does a good job giving out raisins in terms of 'cheap grace'- a grace that is easily obtained and requires no real change or commitment. We also offer 'cute platitudes '—superficial, comforting statements that may sound good but lack depth or challenge. We have learned to tame the dangerous call of discipleship and attempt to control God's mysterious ways.
The women who arrived at the tomb on that first Easter morning expected it to be a continuation of Good Friday. They went expecting to find a dead man still dead. The scripture says, "They went to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared" (Luke 24: 1). They went to pay respects to a dead man. They went to mourn. They went to remember. Their only concern as they walked to the tomb was who would roll back the stone for them.
As they made their way to the tomb, they faced the rolled-back stone and an empty tomb. Two angels spoke to them and said, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?"
And the question still haunts us today, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?" New life is not found in dead places.
If you are striving for a dried-up existence, keep looking for the living among the dead. But if you are interested in new life, listen to the angel's message at the tomb, "He is not here. He is risen!"
Quit searching for life among things that only bring death.
Jamey
(Music performed by the Modern Worship Team of Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia)
Weekly Prayer
Gracious God, Forgive us for the times we have sought the living among the dead, for the moments we have looked for life in places of despair and emptiness. May our shouts of "He is Risen!"—be not a proclamation of a past event but a vibrant, living reality that challenges us to rise above our circumstances, doubts, and fears.
In the name of the Risen Christ, we pray, Amen.
Wisdom Nugget: The resurrection challenges us to live beyond being prisoners of our circumstances.
A Question to Consider: Where am I seeking the living among the dead?
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
Why did the Easter Bunny stay home from school? He was having a bad hare day!
Where does the Easter Bunny eat breakfast? IHOP!
Photo Taken By Me
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
Info Meeting: April 14, 5:30pm / Trip: May 12-20, 2025
Discover the fascinating lives and faith journeys of John and Charles Wesley, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and others during an 8-day tour of England, including London, Oxford, Bristol, and other historic cities.
An informational meeting will be held at 5:30pm Sunday, April 14 in the Reception Hall to provide details of the tour and pricing. Join us!
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
May you go through life with the assurance that the same power that rolls stones and breathes life into the dead spaces also moves within you, calling you to rise, live, and love.
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