Thursday, March 21, 2013

"I remember it like it was yesterday"


In the tradition of story-telling, to say that “it feels like it happened just yesterday” indicates that the teller has a deep familiarity with the occurrence. That they are so connected to said thing that it is almost tangible to them.

I just came across a quote from Martin Luther that reads,

                “I feel as though Jesus died only yesterday.”

What a thought. To be so intimately acquainted with the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection that you live every day with it as a functional and living part of your life.

I try not to be the type to generalize American culture in any serious way, but I’m going to break my mold here for a second.

We (myself very much included) are so saturated in unappreciated blessings that we forget the very thing that fuels our existence.

But really, here’s the thing: When it comes down to it, most of us just don’t really care about the Crucifixion. I mean, we do, but we don’t. (Bear with me.)  We appreciate the candy on Easter (usually in Rabbit form), and sing songs about how wonderful it is that we are saved, being truly grateful, but pay little mind to it in the day to day, moment to moment.

How differently would Christianity, would the world, would the lyrics to our music be, if we thought of the life and death and life of Jesus as something that actually happened, something that gives us power to live, love, breathe, overcome, persevere, be.

I hope I come to the point that I consider the cross as something so tangibly a part of my life that I actually care about it. And not just generally and distantly grateful -- But really, really care about it. That my every word and action reflect the fact that the King over all kings died for me, suffering more than I could ever imagine.

The crucifixion is not just a story. The resurrection is not a myth.

They come together into the Gospel that is the very thing that allows us breath.

In your day to day, don’t forget the Gospel.

Remember it like it happened just yesterday.