April 7, 2024
Acts 4:32-35
Now, the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 33 With great power, the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35 They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
1 John 1, 2:1-2:
We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— 3 what we have seen and heard we also declare to you so that you also may have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. 5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him, there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; 7 but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, 2 and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
In 1 John 1:1-2:2, we are presented with a powerful portrayal of the contrast between light and darkness and the undeniable reality of Jesus Christ. He is described as the embodiment of the Word of life, not only heard and seen but also touched by early believers. This tangible encounter with Jesus, a personal connection available to all, stands as a compelling testimony to His presence and His influence on humanity. The passage encourages us to contemplate the concept of walking in darkness, emphasizing the interplay of fear and darkness. Just as physical darkness elicits feelings of insecurity and unease, spiritual darkness can lead to anxiety and despair. In a world marked by sin and brokenness, many grapple with darkness, unaware of the hope and salvation offered by the brilliance of Christ.
Illustration:
The emerging generation of young adults today faces a daunting and overwhelming task as they navigate through unknowns like college, job searching, and creating a life in a new economy vastly different from what existed just 20 years ago. They are faced with mounting student loan debts, uncertain job prospects, and societal pressures to succeed; many young people feel a deep sense of frustration and desperation as they struggle to find their place in the world. The constant uncertainty and fear of failure weigh heavily on their minds, leading to feelings of hopelessness and isolation. In addition to the challenges of navigating the complexities of today's economy and society, many young adults also find themselves spiritually adrift, as the church is often not a part of their journey. Many opt to withdraw into fantasy, drugs, and other antisocial behaviors. Others struggle on, but without the guidance and support of a faith community, some are left to grapple with spiritual questions and struggles on their own, further exacerbating their feelings of loneliness and disconnection. They turn to other sources of guidance and support. Some may seek out like-minded individuals through social media or other online communities. Others turn to books, podcasts, or other forms of media that offer different perspectives on spirituality and religion. Some may even explore different faith traditions or spiritual practices on their own, seeking to find a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives. Often, these methods provide a different level of community and support than a faith community can offer, and far too frequently, they lead to dark places.
The church's absence in the lives of young people not only hinders their spiritual growth and understanding but also leaves them vulnerable to the lies and temptations of the world. The Body of Christ must reach out to these young adults, pray for them and with them, and show them that they are not alone in their struggles.
The Cross, which struck fear into the disciples' hearts, became a symbol of their faith. The Empty tomb symbolizes the promise that the new covenant that began with Christ is real and can change our lives if we seek Him. The promise is one of everlasting life, but not of never having struggled. The journey of following Christ is one of joy but also one of uncertainty.
On the first Easter Sunday morning, the Disciples and the two women at the tomb felt the fear of Christ’s crucifixion. The fear was justified because they knew what Christ had asked them to do; they knew the work that was ahead. The fear was justified then, and it is justified now. We, too, can feel the fear, but now we know the hope of the empty tomb. We see the hope of resurrection. In contrast, the depth of fear and pain can be all-consuming for those who have not found solace in knowing Christ. As every practicing Christian can attest, as believers, we are not immune to the difficulties and obstacles that come with living in a world that is far from perfect. It is not uncommon to get caught up in the shadows of uncertainty, unease, and wrongdoing, which can make us lose sight of the promise of hope and triumph that Christ brings to our lives, be it retirement plans, living on a fixed income, or planning our estates for when we enter the church triumphant.
We must continue to remember that our struggles do not diminish God’s power and victory; instead, they are magnified. By offering a beacon of hope and light in the midst of darkness, the church that helps guide us can help guide those lost in the world towards a deeper relationship with Christ and a sense of community and belonging that they so desperately need if we follow Christ’s commands.
1 John conveys a powerful message that serves as a timely reminder for all believers. It reminds us of the trustworthy source of our hope, which is not merely the cross where Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, but rather the empty tomb that signifies His ultimate victory over death and sin. The cross is made complete in the empty tomb. This triumph over death is the promise of redemption and a new life in Christ, free from the bondage this life and this world seem to drag us into, no matter our age, experience, or level of understanding. The empty tomb assures us of the power and victory that we have as believers through Christ's resurrection, which is the ultimate display of God's power over death and sin. Through His resurrection, Christ has not only conquered the grave but has also assured us of a new life in Him. It reminds us that we are no longer slaves to sin and death but instead have been set free through the power of His resurrection.
This truth gives us hope, strength, and confidence to face any obstacle that comes our way, knowing that we have been made victorious through Christ. As we navigate the trials and tribulations of life, let us hold fast to the hope of the empty tomb, knowing that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work within us. In the midst of darkness and fear, let us fix our eyes on the resurrected Christ, who brings light, love, and salvation into our lives. May we walk in the assurance of His victory and live as radiant beacons of His grace and mercy in a world in desperate need of His light. Amen.
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