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Newsletter |
Moore's Messenger - Spring 2004 |
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The Pastor's Pen Which Came First? Jesus or the Egg?If you are like me, you have been to one of the many stores in the
area, whether it be a grocery Just think - the name itself has no Christian reference yet was associated with the Anglo-Saxon goddess of Spring, Eostre or Ostara. This is where the symbols associated with Eostre and Spring began to manifest themselves. Spring being a time of new birth, new hope, light, growth, etc. Some of those symbols were seen in the egg (new birth) and the rabbit (the long-time symbol of fertility). For an early persecuted church, it made it possible to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus without any risk to self. I know that today, the church has made comparisons between the Egg and the empty tomb of Jesus to display the Resurrection; however, are we still celebrating without risk. Love truly brings about risk. We risk feelings, thoughts, trust, etc. Jesus asked this of his disciple Simon Peter and us: "Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." (John 21:15-17) Several have thought about how this fantastic account of Jesus' love reaches out to Peter even though he denied even knowing Jesus before the crucifixion. However, I believe it is much more than that. I believe it is a call for all of us to personally hear Jesus ask the question, "Do you love me?" Saying that we love Jesus is easy; displaying it in our lifestyles is so much more. Jesus, through the first two questions, is really asking the question do you love me more than anything in your life and Simon Peter is responding like this - "Yeah, I love ya man." The last time Jesus meets Simon Peter where he is - in the brotherly love stuff not the all consuming unconditional love that Jesus would see displayed in Peter's life. What about us? Do we love Jesus? In our "Easter" where is the resurrected Lord Jesus? Is he behind the candy, bunnies, and eggs? Or is he out front in your life so that the world can see Jesus in you? I hope that we can all add the resurrection to this holiday and our lives. Which comes first for you: Jesus or the egg? Shalom & Agape (Peace
& Love) |
store, department store, dollar store, etc.,
and there it is - the Easter section. There with all of its baskets,
candy, and all things to do with eggs. It is interesting to me how the
most important celebration for Christians and its central meaning is so
hidden from all who look at the Easter Season.