Eastertide: The Revolution is Afoot

I meant to post on Easter Sunday and here it is already two weeks later. But I’m happy to report, since we are following the church calendar, the season of Eastertide is upon us—the Revolution is afoot!

Eastertide marks the fifty days between Easter and Pentecost. This extended celebration provides us space to ponder the implications of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension and his decisive declaration:

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me….

This declaration echoes back to the angel Gabriel’s message to Mary that she would conceive in her womb and bear a son.

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end (Luke 1:32–33).

Eastertide: Another Beat in the Rhythm of Remembering

While we in our era have the advantage of hindsight during this transformational season, keep in mind that the followers of Jesus lived out these scenes in real-time. Imagine for a moment stepping into the shoes of Mary Magdalene or Mary, Peter or John, who were met at the empty tomb by angels in adorned in dazzling apparel.

Why do you seek the living among the dead? Remember how he told you that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise?

Then there was Cleopas and his companion who quite unaware on the road to Emmaus were joined by Jesus. They recounted for him the raucous events that had taken place in in Jerusalem—the commotion at the temple, the murderous crowds, the crucifixion, and the crazy possibility that, as of that very morning, he might actually be alive. Jesus responds.

O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself (Luke 24:25–26).

At the end of their journey and over a shared meal, Jesus broke bread, blessed them, opened their eyes … and vanished.

Next we find Jesus waiting for his disciples in Galilee. He is risen, embodied, beaming with light and life as he embraces his friends—believers, deniers, faith-filled, doubters, suspicious, and skeptics—who, filled with astonishment and fear, could not but worship.

He has to remind them too.

These are the words that I spoke to you…that everything written about me in the Law and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead …’ (Luke 24:6–7, 44–45).

Peter at Pentecost Remembers

Then Peter at Pentecost filled with God’s Spirit realizes and reinforces the significance of these events—mighty works and wonders and signs—that all occurred according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God.

Jesus of Nazareth, crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men, God raised up, loosing the pangs of death, because it is not possible for him to be held by it (Acts 2:22-24)

Peter exhorts his audience, Know this for certain, God has made him both Lord and Christ. This statement buttresses Jesus’ bold assertion just prior to his ascension.

All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth (Matt 28:18).

Lest we forget, like we are prone to do, Jesus makes it crystal clear that his reign is comprehensive, all-encompassing, and eternal. Through his crucifixion and resurrection everything has changed.

The Counternarrative

So, in these days, when earthly rulers and authorities make bodacious claims of preeminence or dominance gained by violence or coercion or deceit, we must remember Who sits on the throne.

The counter-narrative, the true story of the whole world, reminds us that God has opened the eyes and minds of countless people down through the ages, including ours. God has revealed to us that the crucifixion and resurrection changes everything.

So today, if in your circumstances you fear for your life, or live under oppression, or in isolation; if your situation is bleak or your future uncertain, turn to the One who knows this and hears your and can help.

If you doubt or feel hesitant, remember you are not alone. Jesus is with you. He who was crucified and buried was raised on the third day. The Healer, Prince of Peace, the Source of love and forgiveness is alive!

Chances are that maybe even today you will have an opportunity to help, serve, or encourage someone in your family, neighborhood, or in your place of work. Remember that God’s kingdom is marked by love and forgiveness, justice and righteousness, kindness and generosity.

The revolution is afoot.