The Week After

By: Rev. Wayne Nelson

Significant events come with memories of what we were doing, where we were, and the impact made on our lives. It’s the stuff people write about, sing songs about, and ponder for years and years. But what about the days after these meaningful events? We tend to remember 9/11 or when our favorite team won the championship. Do you remember the days after?
 
All who have embraced Easter as a hinge to open all of Christianity found themselves worshiping on Sunday with extra energy and excitement. Many churches prepared to receive a larger than normal number of worshipers. Weeds were pulled, walls were painted, windows were cleaned…all in preparation for Resurrection Sunday. Here we are, the week after.
 
The Gospels of Luke and John offer a more complete record of the immediate days after the resurrection of Christ. We learn of numerous appearances between Jesus and various individuals, small groups of people like his disciples, and some strangers walking along a road. In all, Acts states that Jesus appeared to more than 500 people over a period of forty days. Miracles did not stop, either. Jesus commanded the weary fishermen to cast their nets to the other side of the boat, only to pull in a large number of fish.
 
For many pastors and leaders, today may feel like the “day after.” Likely, you are fatigued from the additional ministries and expectations of Holy Week. While all these ministries are meaningful and effective, it may be time for rest. Take care of yourself. Allow me to remind you of the rest you might enjoy.

• Be at rest with the full assurance of a resurrected Lord. In a day and age when you can’t count on outside security, you can be sure that we have a genuine Savior.
• Be at rest that our Lord will never leave us or forsake us. The thought of journeying through life on our own is now quenched. Christ, who lives, is alive and promised to care for all our needs and be with us.
• Be at rest as the Church fulfills the mission of our Lord. Trust in the work of the Holy Spirit with your congregation and with your community. Know that God is working through your ministry, preaching, and leading.

May the peace of our Lord surprise and overwhelm you this day.
 
*Wayne Nelson serves as the Kansas City District Administrator in the Church of the Nazarene.