It has been 5 days since we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus. If we look at what might have been happening when the resurrection actually took place over 2000 years ago, it was probably a time of great fear and confusion for Jesus’ closest followers. Jesus had appeared to several but there were still doubters. The Romans as well as the religious leaders of the day were in an uproar over the disappearance of Jesus’ body and were threatening others known to have been followers of Jesus.
Mary arrived back at the tomb, broken and sobbing. She stooped to peer inside, and through her tears she saw two angels in dazzling white robes, sitting where Jesus’ body had been laid—one at the head and one at the feet! “Dear woman, why are you crying?” they asked. Mary answered, “They have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they’ve laid him.” Then she turned around to leave, and there was Jesus standing in front of her, but she didn’t realize that it was him! He said to her, “Dear woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?” Mary answered, thinking he was only the gardener, “Sir, if you have taken his body somewhere else, tell me, and I will go and . . .“Mary,” Jesus interrupted her. Turning to face him, she said, “Rabboni!” (Aramaic for “My teacher!”). Jesus cautioned her, “Mary, don’t cling to me, for I haven’t yet ascended to God, my Father. And he’s not only my Father and God, but now he’s your Father and your God! Now go to my brothers and tell them what I’ve told you, that I am ascending to my Father—and your Father, to my God—and your God!”
That evening, the disciples gathered together, and because they were afraid of reprisals from the Jewish leaders, they had locked the doors. But suddenly Jesus appeared among them and said, “Peace to you!” Then he showed them the wounds of his hands and his side—they were overjoyed to see the Lord with their own eyes!
The story which had begun 3 years prior was just getting started. Just like us today, the disciples had lives to live, money to make, responsibilities and the political environment of the day was definitely not going to be favorable to their prior activities with Jesus. Have we already disengaged from the Easter story to get back to our lives?
It is not easy being a disciple! It wasn’t back then and it isn’t today. Discipleship always comes with a price but also with a reward. Join me this Sunday at 10:00am on the Praise Community Fellowship Facebook live page as we continue to seek and learn from the Holy Spirit and the bible about being disciples today. We are seeking the truth of the Gospel. Because when you know the truth, the truth will set you free!
The PCF Board will be meeting this next Monday evening. If you have questions or suggestions for the board to consider please let me know. Kent 618-334-3575
Prayers:
- Jim Gabor, Jim is my brother-in law. Jim has played in the RTP band and has drummed for PCF on several occasions in the past. Jim has had 2 mild strokes and they are trying to figure out what is causing them. We lift Jim to God’s healing grace and wisdom.
- Nadeen Schuette, Praise Report, My mom went in to have stint placed in her leg and when the surgeon got into the vein, he found out she didn’t need one. Thank you Jesus!
- Stephanie Powell, the daughter of Mary Knapp. Stephanie is facing an extremely difficult situation with her mentally handicapped 30 year old son who lives with her. He has gotten aggressive and violent and she cannot find a facility to help her. Let’s pray for God to intervene with an answer for her and her son Conner.
- Michelenne Bounds, one of Bonni’s best friends, is having some serious eye problems due to a degenerative form of arthritis. Please pray for God’s intervention and healing touch.
- Susan Dedmon, Susan is the sister of John Grant. John called me this week and asked for prayers for his sister because she has also been diagnosed with congestive heart failure. She was struggling with fluid in her lungs so we need to lift her up to the healer of all healers. We ask for your love, peace, mercy, and healing strength for both John and his sister Susan.
- Louise (Snookie) Burns, Bonni’s mother. Please lift up Louise to God’s healing touch as she has been diagnosed with macular degeneration and is having a hard time seeing.
- Mary and Leland Knapp, Mary is having trouble with her eyesight and Lee is having some issues with his walking. We ask for God’s mighty hand of healing and love and peace for the both of them.
- John Grant, John is home, which is wonderful but we will continue to lift him up for God’s healing touch, wisdom and peace as the doctors continue to work with him.
- Keith Sedlacek, Cathy Crowder has asked for our prayers for Keith who has been diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. Let’s lift Keith and his family in prayer for God’s healing Grace, Peace, and Love.
- Emmett, Bob and Judi Bertels grandson is a 12 year old young man who has just been diagnosed with macular dystrophy which causes loss of eyesight. We ask for God’s intervention and healing.
- All who are seeking a deeper relationship and deeper understanding of Jesus’ teachings.
- Courage to be bold for Jesus with our neighbors and family.
Praise Community Fellowship, The church with No Walls! We want to bring the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus to you! kent@praisecommunityfellowship.com
618-334- 3575
Love, pastor kent