"The Dawn Came" - reflection from dawn service in Altona

The wait is over. Jesus has risen. And we stand here joyously celebrating this reality.

The first century disciples though didn’t quite know what was happening. Thomas doubted; others didn’t recognise Jesus; they were generally pretty well unconvinced; for them this all came as a bit of a shock. These early disciples were still coming to terms with Jesus dying, let alone him rising back to life. For they had not understood when Jesus had told them on those various occasions that he would die and on the third day rise again. Indeed they had downright rebelled against such a notion, especially the bit about Jesus’ death. Peter had been well and truly put back in his place when he tried to divert Jesus from his cause, but then Peter still remained reticent to accept the inevitable.

We, however, know and understand the story well. Jesus died for us on that cross – so that we might experience God’s grace, receive forgiveness and have eternal hope. Jesus rose again, because even death could not limit the creative power of God. Jesus would have a major victory over evil. Light had returned to illuminate the darkness. Jesus, the innocent sufferer, would rise to take up his position as the leader of a redeemed people. So here we are, out in the cold, at a time that most of us would still be in bed if it wasn’t resurrection Sunday. At the same time, I hope you feel a warmth inside because Jesus lives, causing you to rejoice and be thankful. And this warmth, this joy that Jesus lives ... I hope that we will still have this tomorrow? How long will the fire of Jesus’ resurrection burn within us? For the society in which we live needs a credible living witness to the resurrection of Jesus!

Now, it’s true that the first disciples, Peter, James, John and all the rest, and the women who had attended the grave as well ... they were all a little slow on the uptake. Mark’s gospel even concludes with them all fleeing! Yet when they fully got it, and waited in expectancy as they were commanded, and were subsequently empowered by the Holy Spirit, they began to change the world. They were completely dedicated to the Jesus cause, as shown by the way they lived, worshipped and worked together. In a very short time the good news of Jesus reached all the way to Rome. A former persecutor Saul was encountered by Jesus on the Damascus road and became the great missionary Paul, planting churches on his many travels around the known world. This resurrection of Jesus was having revolutionary impact, and we can get excited as we read through the book of Acts and see the progress that was made.

The question is, as we stand out here this morning: are we a part of the modern day progress of the good news through our neighbourhoods and city? For surely, gathering out here is not just about a short commemoration of an ancient event! Rather it must show a commitment to the ongoing relevance of this blessed event every day of our lives.

May all those who live in Altona and Altona North, Altona Meadows and Seabrook, Laverton and Laverton North, Point Cook and Sanctuary Lakes, everywhere around Hobsons Bay and Wyndham, know the power of Jesus’ resurrection! May each one know that they are not alone in their fear and uncertainty, but have access to a living Saviour who offers peace and hope and purpose! May the self-centred and materialistic come to understand that there is another and more preferable framework for living. May all injustice bow to Jesus and be overcome.

May we, I pray, shine the light of Jesus into any places of darkness; the whole of our lives saying that we have been with the resurrected Jesus this special Easter Sunday.