Anyone Seen Jesus Alive and Well These Days?

I was feeling Eeyore-ish.
Counting losses and re-running no-win scenarios.
I attempted to spin the pain of loss and fear of failure
with the words of Paul: when I am weak, then he is strong.
You know – the stuff pastors do.
Yet I was unconvinced.
The valley remained cloudy, the forecast seemed bleak.

Reluctantly, I attended the scheduled meeting
and offered an uninspired devotion.
We prayed.
Then the question was asked:
“Anyone seen Jesus Alive and Well These Days?”
I thought – “not lately,” but held my peace.
Others began:

A seven year old boy prayed for his father to attend church
Two weeks later he was there.

An estranged family gathered at a memorial service
Heard words of resurrection hope
and experienced reconciliation and restoration.

There were stories of healings from around the state.
I said to myself, I guess Jesus has not yet made it to Medford.

Yet still, I was warmed by the conversation.
I could have easily left the meeting,
But I was attracted to this good news.
The clouds began to disappear

As we ended in prayer,
I was reminded of the first witnesses of the resurrection
surprised by seeing Jesus
in unexpected times, people, and places.

This is the season of Easter
- a time of surprise
- a time of resurrection hope.

Anyone Seen Jesus Alive and Well These Days?

(Published in the May 18, 2009 issue of the Eastwood Baptist Beacon)