Warning- Sermons in Progress

I've loved getting into Mark's gospel today to think about the resurrection. I don't think I appreciated enough how Mark sees that the resurrection of Jesus floods in the kingdom of God. From the start of Mark's gospel, the coming of the kingdom of God has been anticipated until the end. Mark wants us to see that the resurrection of Jesus signals a new era- the long anticipated time has arrived at last. The kingdom of God is here! And its so significant that the women leave the tomb screaming! That ending leaves me with my jaw hanging open. And I think Mark intends me to feel that way, because something momentous has just taken place. Wow.

I've also been thinking about the Garden of Gethsemane scene. Jesus is so overwhelmed by what is about to happen on the cross that it is killing him before his time. All because of our sin. And I get to preach on this tomorrow night in a local retirement village church service!

Apart from a day of trying to understand these accounts better so I can preach on them this Easter, I also went to visit an elderly retired minister who is coming to do Communion for us this Sunday. I always enjoy talking to men like him- an older man who has walked where I have, and who would have so much wisdom to offer me. Not only has this man been in ministry for much longer than me, but he was also in the war, and then finished Moore College in the late 40's. (This is a man I have heard who used to take suitable men away on weekends to talk to them about going into ministry- the original Club 5!) I found myself wishing I had more time to hear some of his stories and lessons about life in ministry. Perhaps that will make for a good afternoon tea one day soon.

Then, while in the village, I had lunch with my dear Nana. She's a sweety.