Currently, we find ourselves in the middle of this season for celebration and remembrance. For thousands of years, people who have seen a fascination in this Jesus have spent time in thanksgiving for what he did.
It's a season of success, of victory, and of new Life.
Young people get time off school. Churches flood with those coming to celebrate Jesus' victory over death. Flowers are bought. New outfits are worn.
All these traditions stem from the death and resurrection of one man.
[something interesting]...
This man we call Jesus once said:
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Of if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, thought you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
So in everything, Do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
Jesus' words seem to be split into three sections.
1. Something about the opportunity for a person to ask and receive from God.
2. Something explaining how much God will give "good gifts" to those who ask; like that of a father/son natured relationship.
3. The Golden Rule
The first two seem to compliment each other quite well. But the third one? Why would Jesus talk about prayer in one breath, and then suddenly mention the Golden Rule? What does prayer have to do with the Golden Rule?
Jesus again did this sort of thing when asked what he thought the greatest commandment was:
"Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Love your neighbor as you love yourself."
Jesus' half brother, James, once said something quite interesting.
"Faith, if it is not accompanied by action, does not exist."
Did Jesus know something about God that we don't? Did James have this same understanding? Does a relational-type connection with God result in a desire to care and love others? Is this the connection between prayer and the Golden Rule?
Throughout the Christian scriptures, actions seem to have a way of following faith.
When people throughout the bible have been exposed to God, those same people have done incredible things. Noah. Moses. David. The Prophets. The disciples. The early Church.
Faith is the stem of their actions.
Their actions stem from their faith.
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This Easter, as we're all remembering and celebrating Jesus' victory over death; let us also remember the pure genius of his words. As we pray and converse with God, let us give in to His call to love others as we love ourselves.
May this Easter be the beginning of a continued fascination with Jesus.
May you find new Life this Easter.
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