We sometimes say we wish we could have the experiences of our biblical heroes. We want to be like Peter, or Paul, or John (one of my favourites). It is more than simple hero worship, we want the same experiences because we see the outcomes of their experiences.
We read about Moses encountering the burning bush and see how he was changed for the rest of his life and we want to encounter “our own” burning bush. We read about Jesus making breakfast for Peter and the rest and we want “our own” “feed my sheep” talk. We read about Saul, later Paul, and we might even want “our own” experience of getting knocked off a horse and hearing the voice of the Risen Christ. There is nothing wrong with wanting any or all of these things. But, you knew there was going to be a “but” along here somewhere, but why do we want them?
I can hear some of you saying some variation of what I have said more than once. It goes something like this, “If only I could meet Jesus in one of those ways I too would be . . . well, not an apostle but at least more than I am now.” It isn’t bad to want this sort of thing, but it isn’t necessary.
No one encounters the Risen Christ without being changed into more of what and who they were always meant to be. Some are changed into rocks upon whom the church is built. Some are changed into apostles to the Gentiles. Some are changed into who they already were but more compassionate, more wise, more whatever they need to be to become all they are meant to be.
You will not encounter the Risen Christ without being changed.
Blessings,
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