Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, on this Easter morning, we delve into the story of Peter, a disciple whose journey reveals profound truths about faith and humility. As we reflect on his response to the empty tomb, let us glean insights for our own spiritual journey. The Beloved Disciple, with humble awe, saw signs of God's handiwork at the empty tomb. They embraced the mystery of God's plan, trusting in His love and sovereignty. Peter, though witnessing the same signs, struggled with doubt and pride. His journey teaches us the danger of relying on our own understanding instead of surrendering to God's will. Yet, through encounters with Christ, Peter's perspective changed. He learned humility and became a humble servant, entrusted with caring for God's flock. Peter's journey teaches us that humility is essential in our walk with God. By surrendering our pride, we open ourselves to God's transformative grace. As we conclude, let us embrace humility as the path to a deeper knowledge of God. Like Peter, may we surrender ourselves fully to God's love and become instruments of His peace and grace. Amen.

I think the common denominator here that Peter is missing, and I know I miss it too, is deep humility. Not humiliation, not shame, but a profound sense of awe at who God is and a deep realization that I am not God. It doesn’t matter what Rachel wants or thinks, it matters what God wants and thinks for Rachel. Not in a way that is removing the core of who I am, in a way that is liberating. Because God is God and I am not, I can make mistakes, I can be forgiven and forgive.

I relate to Peter’s doubts.

Bryan McLaren has a book called Faith After Doubt.

In this book, he explains that doubt is not necessarily a lack of faith

But a symptom of faith growth.

He says:

“ Faith before doubt: it’s about correct beliefs. Faith after doubt: it's about revolutionary love.”

He describes that revolutionary love looks like “loving with God – letting divine love fill us and flow through us” – the results of this are “loving without discrimination or limit, as an expression of the heart of the lover (God in us), not the merit of the beloved.

2 Wash me completely clean of my guilt;

purify me from my sin!

Clean from guilt – not just clean in some celestial ledger or trial of eternal judgment – David’s pleas for washing away from his guilt – not just the sin but also how he feels weighted down and heavy by this sin – now, in the present, in his life.

8 Let me hear joy and celebration again;

let the bones you crushed rejoice once more.

9 Hide your face from my sins;

wipe away all my guilty deeds!

10 Create a clean heart for me, God;

put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me!

Our first scripture today couldn’t get much more dramatic. The story begins with a bit of a spoiler. “When God was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind…” Wait what? God will take Elijah up in a whirlwind? I was immediately ready to dive into that story; that’s a page-turner right off the bat.

Write an affirmation for yourself, using the language used to describe hagia Sophia in Wisdom literature.

You can use any wisdom literature, but I have put together a list of the first places I would use.

I want you to read about Sophia Wisdom, read her characteristics, and think about what characteristics about yourself mirror hers.

The stubborn, strong, and cunning Jael, came out to meet Sisera and said to him, “Turn aside, my lord, turn aside to me; have no fear.” Jael has her own allegiances. She also has all the tools of a woman at her disposal. The general asks for water, she gives him soothing milk and covers him with her body. In the “bowl” reserved only for her lord, her husband, she feeds him. The general Sisera, between her feet he fell, he fell still. Fell still in his most unsuspecting moments, a tent stake driven through his temple. Jael had delivered herself and her people, weaponizing the very weakness so often exploited by armies of men. Jael stood outside her tent, her queendom, waiting for the pursuing army seeking the dead man, tent staked to her floor. “Come, and I will show you the man whom you are seeking.”

Guest Blogger! Darren Sorrels share the story of Samuel’s call

A narrative based on Matthew 2:1-12, the story of the Magi

O Maker of the material world, thou Holy One! You have at last sent us a sign of the Messiah. We’ve kept your laws, studied the works of your hands in the stars, and listened for your message. A star rises in the southwest and moves, marking our path…

I’ve been preaching, reminding all who would listen that Adonai keeps promises. A Redeemer has been promised through the prophets before me, a Messiah. One who would bring an end to poverty, disease, and despair. One who could bring the dead back to the living. A Messiah who would return the scattered people of God back to the land that was promised. We can place our hope in Adonai, who is faithful. Anyone who has come into this temple knows who I am and knows my reputation as a prophet of the God of Israel.

The song, Mary Did You Know?, exists, and for some reason people like it - but that doesn't make it anything close to good theology or an accurate recounting of the events recounted in scripture. Can we please stop asking her? Yes, She knew! - but please continue loving it if you want.

Why are we like this? Why do we feel like we need to be “right” instead of giving grace? This happens to all of us – we make mountains out of molehills in our relationships with our families, with random people on the internet, when we are listening to the news and choosing polarization instead of relationship. We choose to not be peaceful in so many little ways all the time!

I know it can be tempting to place your hopes on religious symbols. I know it can be tempting to lose sight of eternal rewards and consequences and live for the joy of this life alone. I know it can be tempting to turn against one another when you are all suffering – but don’t.

Peter, here in this story, I think is so overcome with the presence of God, he immediately worships. When he is smacked across the face with reality, he reaches straight to God and is lifted back into a kingdom mindset. A mindset that sets him free from his immediate constraints, maybe not the laws of physics, but the constraints of his culture and customs and the empire in which he lives.

“Lord, help me.” I know he’s not like the others, I know he can answer this desperate prayer. “Lord, help me, my daughter…”

Hagar saw a well that saved her and her child in the desert. Maybe your well is quitting a job that is draining you dry. Maybe your well is ending a relationship with family that is toxic. Maybe your well is trusting yourself and your talents to try something new. Your well might be going back to school, mine certainly was. Your well might be just asking for help. Maybe your well is just not losing hope, not seeing the future but seeing a well that gives you water for now – hope for now, even in uncertainty.