And Many Believed

Life and death.  Death and Life.  Scenes of death and destruction are infused in our consciousness from the array of media communications:  the carnage of the Boston Marathon bombings; the fire at the fertilizer plant in West, TX with flames and smoke billowing into the air carrying the dangers of anhydrous ammonia; innocent looking letters with ricin within; and of course the daily deaths throughout the world where violence prevails.  These scenes are burned into our consciousness in a non-ending stream.

So where does the resurrection of our shepherd, Jesus the Christ speak to us of the possibilities of new life conquering the pervasiveness of death?  Three weeks after our Easter celebration, we hear another story of resurrection.  The apostle, Peter is called to Joppa where the widow, Tabitha (or Dorcas in Greek, which means gazelle) has died.  Tabitha was a disciple (the first known feminine use of the word "disciple" in the New Testament) who was devoted to good works and acts of charity, providing robes and other clothing for the poorest of the poor - the widows.  In Acts 9: 36 - 43, Peter responds to the community surrounding Tabitha who have placed their hope in his healing power by washing Tabitha and laying her in an upstairs room.  Notably Tabitha's beloved friends have NOT anointed her for burial. Peter raised Tabitha from death and showed her to be alive.

AND MANY BELIEVED - PUT THEIR TRUST IN THE MASTER.

This miracle points us to the mighty power of God working in the world.  God's story does not end with the death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ.  The hope that accompanies healing is a powerful demonstration that God was at work through the disciples in Peter's time - and is still at work in our time today as we shepherd one another.

Alongside the images of bloody bodies and lost limbs in Boston were the first responders who rushed toward the wounded:  doctors who had just finished the race; medical volunteers; firefighters and police; and innumerable citizens who pulled off their belts to use for tourniquets as ambulances surged into the melee.  Like Tabitha who was surrounded by friends and community who took action in the adrenaline of hope, we see miracles upon miracles of people pulling together to respond - the power of a shepherding community pulling together.  Death is all too real.  But the life-giving power of the hope of resurrection reminds us that God enters into the shadows of the valley of death alongside us.  When we're able to "see and be" communities of people operating in this hope, our faith shines in the darkness.  We walk in faith and trust, and many continue to believe.  And many more will put their trust in our Master Shepherd.  And the visions of the kingdom coming slowly to realization is alive as we respond.  Revelation 7: 9-17 is a cacophany of praise to God as we stand before the throne of the Lamb singing:  "Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever!"

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Shelley

Topeka and Trinity Transfigured

Thinking of my own mountaintop experiences makes me think of Chapel at the Cross atop the highest hill at Mo Ranch, TX - an arduous climb up a slippery pebbled road, breathing asthmatic breaths long before reaching the top.  Upon approach I first see the outdoor amphitheater with graduated stone semi circular seating and geckos running around.  The spectacular view across the valley far below with the Guadalupe River winding through is punctuated by the gigantic wooden cross at the base of the fish-shaped chancel.  The cross reaches toward the heavens and eagles and hawks circle around flying at eye level. The communion table is hill country stone.  The "ruah" breath of the wind never ceases.  It is a numinous place where people gather expecting God's presence.  It is a place which embraces me and holds me holy and sacred.

In my imagination, here is where Peter, James, and John gather with Jesus (Luke 9: 28-36).  With Jesus  transcendent in dazzling white, almost too glorious to behold and with the appearance of mighty Old Testament prophets, Moses and Elijah, the disciples are enveloped by the clouds.  Perhaps the climb wore them out to account for their sleepiness and their lack of understanding about Jesus' coming death in Jerusalem.  But Peter, James, and John are aware enough of the exceptional circumstances that they want to hold onto such glory, offering to build booths so they could stay atop the mountain.

But mountaintop experiences serve to inspire, motivate, encourage, and provide sustenance for the rest of life's journey in the valleys of our every day-ness.  This transfiguration of Jesus is the prelude and foundation for what lies ahead for the disciples and all Christ followers.  For we must all come down the mountain to face our challenges. When we come down the mountain, we confront the challenges of suffering and sorrow; illness and disease; temptations and terrors.  The Transfiguration is incomplete without the rest of the story (Luke 9: 37-43a).  For in the valley Jesus encounters a desperate father seeking healing for his young epileptic son, whose seizures the disciples cannot heal.  "And all were astounded at the greatness of God" (Luke 9: 43a).

The great glory of God in Jesus transfigured cannot be separated from the needs of the world.  Life is whole when we can be astonished and astounded as we hear God's voice affirming "This is my Son!"  God commands us to "Listen to him."  In believing that Jesus is God's Son and in listening to Jesus, we can move from powerless disciples to Christ followers who seize opportunities to heal the world one act at a time, one day at a time, and in response to the cries of the world.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Shelley