Putting Words to Practice

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

There is potency in these words, words that we proclaim every week as we gather at the Table of the Lord. They are like a strong draught to calm the soul. They are like a powerful medicine to purge the body of disease. They are like a mighty weapon to cut down sin, temptation, and pride. If we would but take them off the shelf.

To the soul that is weary by sorrow, grief, despair, depression, and the like, these words–to keep the metaphor going–should be uncorked. For only then, once they are drunk, may their truth pour forth into the soul. To the body that suffers from illness or disease–whether intermittent or persistent–these words should be swallowed so that their medicinal properties and qualities might begin their work in tissue and bone. To the heart that wages war against sin–retreating at times, making advances at others–these words must be unsheathed from their scabbard that they might win the victory and usher in freedom.

For in these words, and the truth they proclaim, the seeming hopelessness of our station–soul, body, heart–is confronted and overwhelmed with the hope of the Resurrection and Return of Jesus. This is not fanciful thinking. It does not discount or dismiss the trials and difficulties of this life. Nor does it promise instant relief. But these words remind us that Jesus and his Resurrection has the final say. And that final word of Jesus is "Take heart. I have overcome the world."

Grace & Peace,

Matthew+