Does Fear Have the Final Word?, April 5, 2015, 10:30am

The earliest gospel’s original ending leaves us with a cliff-hanger ending: “And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come over them; and they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid.”

We (mostly Protestants) often skip right over the fear and feelings of isolation that Jesus’ followers must have felt in the wake of his crucifixion and gladly rush into the resurrection.

But Mark reminds us that fear and grief were the resounding initial emotions of Jesus’ followers, and yet, those feelings did not have the final word! They gave way to an experience of the risen Christ, joy and bearing witness to all who would hear. For a dawning reality was taking hold upon the world: Death is not a reliable, ruthless absolute. The cold, fixed system of death’s finality has been called into question!

If death is overcome, then the realities of God are wide open to possibilities, dimensions, and new worlds that are not ours to possess, control, or command. Perhaps this new, open-ended, and empowering reality of Christ’s Easter promise provides the potential for both anxiety and peace. Asking us not to simply be passive bystanders to the Kingdom of God, but active instruments in it’s construction! Will you let fear have the final word?

Free parking. Fellowship and Easter Egg Hunt follow worship.

First Baptist Church of White Plains
456 North Street, White Plains NY 10605
914.949.5207

http://www.firstbaptistwhiteplains.org