Day 31: "We Who Have Been Raised by Him"

DAY 31

Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic

A series of daily reflections for people of faith

by Rev. Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor

Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California, Maryland

WEEK FIVE: TUESDAY 14 APRIL 2020

“We Who Have Been Raised by Him”

O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that we, who have been raised by him, may abide in his presence, and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise for ever and ever. Amen.

- Prayer for Tuesday in Easter Week, The Book of Common Prayer

“As an ICU doctor, I’m used to giving bad news, but I was not prepared for this. I paused outside my patient’s room….She lay on the bed, tethered to a ventilator…her husband in a chair beside her…I had to tell him…The hospital is changing its rules…No more visitors. When you leave today, you both need to say goodbye.” - When You Die of the Coronavirus, You Die Alone, Daniela Lamas, newspaper op-ed 25 March 2020  

Just the reading of this true account elicits a constellation of familiar emotions in an unfamiliar  way deep within – alone is not something any of us want to even consider when death comes for us or a loved one. Yet we ultimately have no control over the final details of our demise – how, when, where, with whom. We can plan, wish, and hope, but life and God decide. 

However,…because of Easter, death will not have the last word. Because of Easter, because of ‘the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ…’ we have ‘been raised by him’ to live in a different place where we are never alone. We now ‘live’ in a vibrant place called “living hope”: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,…” 1 Peter 1:3.  

Yes, ‘Jesus Christ destroyed death’ so that when it comes our time He will be right there with us and in us – ‘we who have been raised by him,’ will never die alone - Hallelujah!     

Reflective question:  What would you say to your loved ones if this were your final goodbye? Why not consider saying it now, and not waiting until then?

Reflective scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-7 “…the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Reflective hymn: “Worship Christ the Risen King” – Jack Hayford (1934-    )

See the tomb where death had laid Him; empty now, its mouth declares:

“Death and I could not contain Him, for the throne of life He shares.”

Come and worship, come and worship; worship Christ the risen King.