For the past 40 days we've been on a Lenten journey through the use of these devotions. We've wandered through 10 parables, stopping to pause and reflect on certain words and phrases. Today we conclude, coming home again to see the empty tomb and proclaim, "Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen indeed! Alleluia!" I hope you have found these reflections meaningful. It has been helpful to me to share my thoughts each day. I want to acknowledge the author of the devotional book, "The Parables of Lent," Dean Nadasdy, upon which my reflections have been based. He opened up the parables in many new ways for me.
The story of Jesus appeared to have ended on the cross. A good man, a righteous man, a controversial man, put to death and silenced. But that's not how the story ends. On the third day following his death, the stone is rolled away from the tomb and his body is not present. The women who had gone to anoint his body in the grave are told by angelic beings, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, he has risen!" Luke 24:4
The resurrection changes everything. Among the changes is that God, for the sake of His Son, welcomes us home again. No matter how far we have strayed, no matter how foolish we may have acted, no matter how poor our past decisions may have been, we are welcomed home. Today's celebration is about what God has done in Christ. But it is also for us. We are welcomed home in the loving embrace of the Father. We are given a robe, sandals, and a ring. We feast on the fatted calf. And it's all made possible because the stone has been rolled away and the tomb stands empty. Today is a homecoming celebration. Welcome home! God's blessings to you as you continue on your journey of faith in the hope of the resurrection!
Home. This devotion helps give a deeper meaning to that word. It's a place in my heart that is shared with other hearts
ReplyDeleteHome. This devotion helps give a deeper meaning to that word. It's a place in my heart that is shared with other hearts
ReplyDelete