From Between Cross & Resurrection by Alan E. Lewis
Lewis writes that the term "gospel truth" is identified as the action of the first disciples who identified the gospel they had to preach with the person who came preaching and teaching and doing good. The "gospel truth" was tied up in the very substance of what Jesus said and did in his life.
The emptiness of the tomb says that if Christ is risen and exalted, his words and deeds are risen and triumphant too, verified and vouched for by the act of God's own power. If was he after all who had spoken the truth about the law of God and human power; his adversaries and accusers, who defeated and destroyed him, have been proven blind and wrong, their triumph penultimate and premature.
What appears to be the end or the worst predicament in the world is redefined. Defeat is now called victory. Death becomes life. Cursed is now blessed. Too often we let the world inform us as to how we are to name things. It is a subtle command of our attention that becomes the only way we let ourselves see all things. The greatest gift we can give to each other is to help one another redefine the stories of our days through the light of the "gospel truth" that is graciously for us...for it is for the whole world. On a day as deep in the mire of death as September 11, we do not have to define this day merely with talk of war and defense and retribution. We can, within the horrible destruction and death of the day that marks the condition of the whole world, define our actions and outlook and movements with the kind of truth that has been available to God's people since the beginning of time and reformed at Easter - Life...peace...justice...mercy...even unto death.
Connection: Do not let your day be ruled by hate and fear. We are a people of peace, mercy, compassion and forgiveness...even 77 times...that is, without end.
Lord of All Life, you call all your children to be one and yet we are at war with one another. Let you Holy Spirit be our guide...our wisdom...our light on the journey of life within your blessed reign. Amen
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