“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!”
This past Sunday was Resurrection Sunday – Easter – a day to celebrate resurrected life. Let me tell you, I have been celebrating. Freedom in Jesus is the sweetest, and the only real, freedom I’ve ever tasted. This Easter I was reflecting, reading, and worshiping with some of my team. I read out of Luke 23 and 24: the story of Easter– the reality that has changed my life. And for the first time, this verse hit me to the core. . . “the men said to [the women], ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he is risen!’” (vs 5-6)
The women who went to Jesus’ tomb with spices on the third day were women who knew him. They had come with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They knew him and had spoken with him. Jesus had even said to them that the Son of Man must be crucified and on the third day be raised again. Yet, they still went to his tomb with burial spices and were shocked when his body couldn’t be found. I don’t blame them; it was a logical thing to do and they were juggling a lot of emotions and changes in that traumatic time.
The part that pierced me was the question the angels posed to the women – Why do you seek the living among the dead? Now, even though I have surrendered my all to Jesus, I am a work in progress. There are habits to evaluate, beliefs to re-align with the Bible, idols to remove from my heart, etc. So I heard this question from the angels spoken directly to me: Why do you seek life amidst death, Jenna? I have habits of which Jesus does not approve. I say things my Lord would never say. I seek comfort in places that Jesus has explicitly promised will not comfort me. As the women knew Jesus on this earth, I know what real life is – I know Life himself. Yet I go to these other things, still thinking that they will bring me joy, peace, purpose- life. Why do I seek the living among the dead?
Jesus has told and continues to tell me how to live abundant life. He wants the best for me and for all his brothers and sisters. He knows what brings life and what brings death, and he reveals it to us. And if the abstract terminology isn’t sitting well with you, let me elaborate. Things that “bring life”— the people, events, practices, and thoughts that truly make you feel alive in the holiest way — they bring energy, peace, joy, and remind you of your wholeness and purpose. They are things of God.
Examples from my recent life include praying when I’m fearful of my surroundings or anxious about ministry; choosing to sit in the presence of God and listen when my daily life is chaotic; eating nutritious food to honor my body; having other believers pray for me; exercising and thanking God for my legs; sharing meals and honest conversation with my team; confronting my squadmates with problems instead of gossiping; repenting; and enjoying the beauty of the jungle even though I’m very sweaty.
Then there are the things that “bring death”, and in fact, the two can be confused. (The devil is a master of disguises). Those that bring death are the habits, relationships, beliefs, practices, etc. that make you question what you’re worth, that cause judgment and condemnation, that demand that you try harder. They say “what’s the point anyway?” and they keep your eyes off the hope in eternal life. They make you want to steal and destroy for your own gain or protection, especially in the most subtle ways. They encourage your entitlement. They are things of this world.
Examples include wallowing in self-pity because I’m uncomfortable or tired of translating; mentally being elsewhere instead of engaging in my current environment; complaining and calling it “venting”; judging believers of other cultures for having different or incomplete theology; laziness and apathy toward ministry; hiding behind a façade of toughness instead of being honest with my team; believing my selfishness is acceptable because I’ve “given up so much”; and blatant disobedience to the Holy Spirit because of my comfort levels.
It hurts to write them, but I have done all of those things. Oh, blessed forgiveness.
In light of the resurrected life I live in, the Lord is graciously pointing out areas in my life that will bring death—things that are of the enemy. Areas that I often run to thinking they are good-EVEN though I KNOW Jesus. And he is saying, “Jenna, why are you looking for life amidst death?” I don’t know, Lord. Bring me back to You. It is not a condemning question, or a sarcastic one. It is full of patience and compassion. Jesus is the source of all life, and he will never be depleted. His gifts, his commandments, and his way of life are always an option for me to choose. As I get to know the Lord better and better, the option becomes more obvious.
One thing to clarify: I’m not saying don’t go among the dead—certainly the dead are those who most need to hear the news about resurrected life. And we need to be with them to tell them! I am saying don’t go to death and expect to find life. Go to Life himself. Partake of his gifts in the way he designed. Delight in his presence. Commune with his saints. Rejoice in his salvation. Live.
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)
I am the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6)
