In speaking of faith in the risen and living Christ, Rev Dr. James Cone, used the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “Faith is only real when there is obedience, never without it, and faith only becomes faith in the act of obedience.” When he preached in Memphis the day before he died, Martin King spoke of his happiness in a messed-up world because, when in the midst of darkness one who seeks Truth can see the Light. Shortly after Jesus died, three souls went to the tomb – not thinking of the possibility of confronting Roman soldiers who were parties to Jesus’ death and not worried about their own deaths. Fear of death did not deter the three from seeking the meaning of the Scripture, which said, “he had to rise from the dead.” Mary of Magdala encouraged Peter and John to run by running with them. Peter walked into the tomb and gathered evidence, wanting but not knowing; John went in and believed.
Jesus’ first words to would-be disciples were “come and see.” Three were obedient in a moment of darkness. Dismissing the fear of death, they had to “come and see.” Because they were obedient, they became enthusiastic witnesses to the transformational power of the Resurrection. Many say that it is dark in our neighborhood. Who among us will follow in the footsteps of these three to see if Jesus is the Truth that overcomes darkness? The Resurrection is our time to run to the Truth! And, note that the most powerful witnesses do not run alone. Will you run? Who will run to the Light of Faith with you? The fate of the neighborhood, nation and world hinges on our obedience to faith in the Resurrection.
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Deacon Timothy E. Tilghman
"Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?" "Here I am;" I said; "send me!"