By Daniel Harmon, Center for Living Water, Independence, Missouri, USA
…this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.
A people of Easter have faith! This is what we proclaim today. But what does this mean? It’s all too tempting to wear faith as a medal—something we display and make a point to assure others we have. Faith can turn into a speech that we rehearse to make sure we get it right, carefully crafted to be free of loose ends and holes.
But true faith disrupts the status quo of our hearts and asks the difficult questions. Faith in the living Christ means presence to three days in the tomb, the road to Emmaus, and the state of constant change that God’s movement invites us to recognize. It means that in our waiting, God isn’t absent, but invites us to cross new thresholds of risk and invitation.
When serving as a pastor in southern California this reality of risk and disruption was a constant. I would reach a point of comfort in my ministry, and then the Spirit would provoke new challenges and opportunities that required faithful steps beyond the status quo. This would manifest in small ways, like testing new ways of gathering on Sunday morning, dialoguing instead of sermonizing, or meeting in a local park instead of our sanctuary. But it also came through political protest and advocacy, stands of economic solidarity with marginalized workers in our neighborhood, and breaking the mold of long-held traditions to shift emphasis from internal nostalgia to external invitation, hospitality, and outreach.
As a community our faith and identity were challenged, but they also grew and transformed in profound, life-giving ways! To have the faith of Easter people means to proclaim the light of Christ’s life. It also means willingness to journey to the darkness of the tomb, allowing time of rest and discernment for new life that is yearning to bud in our midst. May our faith grow in depth as we examine it each day!
Prayer Phrase
“What can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).
Spiritual Practice
Breathe Hope
Find a quiet space where you can sit without distractions. Light a candle. Take a few deep breaths, allowing your body to relax with each exhale. As you breathe, let go of any tension or worries you may be holding onto. Take notice of the way the flame dances and flickers, casting light and shadow in the room. As you observe the flame, imagine it symbolizing the spark of hope within you. With each breath, imagine the flame growing brighter and stronger. Visualize this light spreading throughout your body, filling you with a sense of hope and positivity. Take a moment to express gratitude for the blessings in your life, no matter how small they may seem.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.