Christ Is Risen!
Christ Is Risen, Indeed!
Nearly five-hundred years before Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, the exiled Jewish people looked for an earthly leader for their salvation from genocide.
In grief & despair, the Jewish people yearned for a future filled with hope.
Queen Vashti led the way, embracing the image of God within. Mordecai refused to deny God, defying the powerful and honoring his faith.
And then a young Esther rose to the challenge, risking all for her people.
Though an imperfect salvation, the Jewish people in the empire survived evil.
Because Esther acted in “just such a time as this.”
Through the days of hope for a new King David, to a last supper with our rabbi Jesus, to the shock of Good Friday we have journeyed.
Our hope died on the cross at the hands of the powerful Roman empire.
We yearn for a sign, an affirmation that evil will not have the final say in our world. We crave hope.
Early on Sunday, the women went to the tomb.
The tomb was empty! The expansive love of God cannot be defeated. God’s love and justice overcomes evil and even death.
In just such a time as this,
Esther risked all for love of neighbor.
In just such a time as this, Christ arose!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! HALLELUJAH
Tim is a runner, a hiker, a devoted husband, a father of two adult children, and their spouses, and a grandfather of four perfect children. A former early childhood educator, Tim is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He has served as pastor of both Disciples and United Church of Christ congregations. As we enter what we hope is the final phase of the pandemic, Tim is beginning a journey of rediscovering himself and discerning next steps. He writes from his home in Albany, Oregon and wherever the Spirit lures him.
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