During these unprecedented times that we are facing, we, as followers of Christ, are called to remember the unprecedented love that God has shown and continues to show us every day. As Easter draws near, we especially think of the enormous sacrifice that God made for us.
We have developed a 5-part devotion series that will be distributed each Friday until Easter and will conclude on Easter Sunday. For some you may choose to use this as a starting point, or a resource. Others of you will hopefully find it a small drop of inspiration in your day.
As you use this devotion series to reflect on God's unprecedented love, please continue to show love in and to your community, especially by praying for those most vulnerable, those who are in isolation, those who are marginalised, our healthcare workers and for our leaders.
As countries are shutting their doors, let’s open our hearts. Together, we can face this unprecedented time with #unprecedentedlove. Please share your #unprecedentedlove in action either via comms@buv.com.au or on socials and we'll share with the rest of our BUV family.
Devotion Part 5
Unprecedented Love – Resurrection
by Rev Dr Bill Brown
‘Did you hear the breaking news?’ is the question on the lips of many in recent weeks. I imagine that there were many at the first Easter who asked a similar question … ‘Did you hear about the earthquake, the massive stone got rolled back, the guards fainted while protecting the tomb, Jesus’ body was nowhere to be found but the grave cloths were there, followers of Jesus came to check out the scene, religious leaders scrambled to agree on a politically correct media report?’
Jesus’ death was a demonstration of unprecedented love as the most influential, provocative, beautiful, stretching, comforting, accepting, loving life that ever graced the earth was hung on a wooden cross. The darkness was palpable, yet, at poignant moments, words from Jesus became shafts of light that shattered the darkness. He died and was buried. But then, Sunday came, and death could not hold Jesus! The resurrection is God’s ‘YES’ to all that Jesus’ life and death accomplished!
Read the resurrection accounts in John 20 and 21 and see how …
- Unprecedented Love, in person, calls Mary by name. One word remade her world and transformed her life as she recognises her teacher and saviour and is commissioned as the first apostle with news of the resurrection.
- Unprecedented Love, in person, speaks peace to fearful and discouraged disciples, commissioning and empowering them for a world changing adventure.
- Unprecedented Love, in person, invites Thomas to explore doubts and test theories. The invitation brought a dramatic response.
- Unprecedented Love, in person, calls Peter by name, and, during a walk along a beach helps him deal with his sense of failure and shame and commissions him for a leadership role in Jesus’ kingdom.
Today, many people want to keep Jesus buried – in Church, in ritual, in tradition, on a Sunday, in programs, debates and excuses but he refuses! Jesus – Unprecedented Love in person, keeps breaking out, calling people by name, changing lives, instilling hope, calling people to partner with him in his mission. Unprecedented Love keeps winning as we live in light and in the power of the resurrection.
Unprecedented Love, the risen Jesus, calls your name!
Every encouragement,
Rev Dr Bill Brown
If you are self isolating or your church has suspended its gatherings, many of our Baptist churches are already live streaming their Sunday services. Here are their links.
Part 1: #unprecedentedlove for unprecedented times by Rev Jonathan Stark
Part 2: How can we express Jesus’ unprecedented love? by Rev Graeme Semple
Part 3: Unprecedented Power to Act in Unprecedented Ways by KImberly Smith
Part 4: Unprecedented Love – Good Friday by Rev Robert Hayman
