May 2021 Centennial News Article

A Word from Your Mission Strategist, Steve Laughman

A few month ago I watched a movie that had quite a twist at the end. When the truth was revealed, I am sure I reacted like many others who had watched it – with surprise and a sense of satisfaction that I had been drawn in by the plot. But when I thought about it, the clues were there from the beginning. I probably should have seen the end coming. That’s the beauty of hindsight.

The Gospel writers knew before they penned their accounts that Jesus had already risen from the dead. By the time they wrote, they had been preaching about the resurrection and had probably been persecuted for it. But, to their credit, they repeatedly acknowledge their own lack of understanding as the events took place. Jesus told them a number of times that he was going to be arrested, beaten, and killed. He also told them that he would be resurrected. At least once he even said it would take three days just like Jonah’s time in the fish. But when it actually happened, they acted as though they didn’t see it coming.

The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is essential for our faith. We celebrate the resurrection every Sunday when we gather for worship. I am so thankful that we have the benefit of Scripture to guide us in our understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. I cannot say for certainty that I would have picked up on the clues if I had been walking with Jesus during His time here on earth.

In the same way, He has clearly told us that He will return. He gave us signs and clues. He instructed us to be watching and waiting. He told us what to look for and even gave us the Lord’s Supper to remind us that one day we will celebrate together with Him. We can debate the sequence of events regarding His return, but we all know that He is coming. My prayer is that we will not be like the disciples, arguing about who is greatest in the kingdom while Jesus is trying to tell us His plans.

Until He comes again may we be found proclaiming the truth of the Resurrection and the Life. And like the apostle John wrote in the Revelation, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”