Monday, April 13, 2020
But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you. Mark 16:7
Words have power. If you listen carefully to what is actually being said, not bring in your own interpretation or expectations but attend to what is actually said, the power is even greater.
I remember living in Los Angeles as a director of an Early Childhood program. We took the students on a field trip to see Rose Parade floats being built. The group was filled with 4 year olds and the tour guide had an expectation that that they understand directions intended for adults.
Raise your hand if you wish to speak.
Don’t touch the floats.
Please don’t shout.
None of the students were able to follow those rules, naturally, except for Matthew. Matthew raised his hand. Matthew stayed where he was supposed to – and most importantly, Matthew listened. He heard every word that tour guide said.
So – when we came to the float with a WORKING roller coaster Matthew raised his hand and asked, “can we see it work?”
The guide was charmed, but said no. “The person who runs the roller coaster isn’t here today.”
Without skipping a beat, Matthew raised his hand again: “Can we come back tomorrow?”
I had a difficult time not laughing out loud! The tour guide, however, was silent. It took him a minute to figure out that, in fact, the whole building was closed on that day – so, no. But for a split second a 4 year old had bested an adult in a discussion.
Now, any parent or teacher will be able to tell you that this is not a unique story – it happens all the time. What it requires is what children do naturally – they are present in the moment. They are not worried about what was just said – they aren’t planning their next second. They are in the moment.
I think that the 26 words in the verse from Mark 16 have always disappointed me – and many others – because we expect more. We are looking to hear the words of Jesus directly. Or perhaps we want to hear the reaction of the other disciples.
But, if we remain in the moment and hear what the angel is saying – “don’t keep this good news to yourself, tell others and go find Jesus in the places he said he would be” – then this is a pretty amazing statement.
Tell others that you have seen the risen Lord in the lives of people who find hope in the midst of hopeless situations.
Tell others that you have seen the risen Lord in the lives of people who find joy in the midst of the most horrific pain.
Tell others that you have seen the risen Lord in the laughter of friends, family and “framily”.
Tell others that you have seen the risen Lord in the shared tears when we grieve together.
The point is – go – and tell others that the tomb is empty and Jesus is here!
Let’s pray:
Gracious God, give us eyes to see you in surprising places – and then give us the words to tell others that you are here.
Amen.
