Eastering Faith Part 2

 

This week we are returning to the Easter narrative from Matthew 28 to let it sink and simmer and sing to our souls ~ my prayer is that these words will inspire and infuse you to “easter” your life as more than a day but a way to be, especially in such a time as this.  In some ways, returning to the Easter words as stores deeply discount jellybeans on clearance, is counter cultural and faithful Slowly savor these words from the Voice translation:

 

After the Sabbath, as the light of the next day, the first day of the week, crept over Palestine, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to the tomb to keep vigil. (notice this translation tells us why they went ~ do you agree?  It is okay to object and think, “No, the Marys went because they had heard Jesus’ teaching about resurrection and wanted to witness to this possibility and promise!)   Earlier there had been an earthquake. A messenger of the Lord had come down from heaven and had gone to the grave. He rolled away the stone and sat down on top of it.  He veritably glowed. He was vibrating with light. His clothes were light, white like transfiguration, (note the reference to Jesus’ transfiguration) like fresh snow.  The soldiers guarding the tomb were terrified. They froze like stone. (notice in this translation there is no reference to the guards being like dead men ~ that might take away the irony that the powers that be guarding the dead have lost their authority).

The messenger spoke to the women, to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. (I love that this passage is clear that the women are entrusted with the good news AND you and I are entrusted too to live this truth.  That is what it means to “easter” our lives.)

Messenger of the Lord: Don’t be afraid. I know you are here keeping watch for Jesus who was crucified.  But Jesus is not here. He was raised, just as He said He would be. Come over to the grave, and see for yourself.  And then go straight to His disciples, and tell them He’s been raised from the dead and has gone on to Galilee. You’ll find Him there. Listen carefully to what I am telling you.

The women were both terrified and thrilled, and they quickly left the tomb and went to find the disciples and give them this outstandingly good news. But while they were on their way, they saw Jesus Himself.

Jesus (greeting the women): Rejoice.

The women fell down before Him, kissing His feet and worshiping Him.

Jesus: Don’t be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee. Tell them I will meet them there.

 

What jumps out as unique?  What surprises you from above?  What feels like sandpaper to your soul in this translation?  Remember, all translations have human fingerprints.  We are not reading the Bible in the original language; we have translations of translations.  That isn’t to discount or dismiss, I believe people are trying with their heart to offer faithful and loving versions of scripture ~ but all reflect our humanness in beautiful and broken ways.  Let this version of the story stir and simmer and saturate your life this day.  And may you find ways to be the good news and easter your life today. Amen.