PBPC Daily - Tuesday, April 21

Good morning and welcome to Tuesday.

As we continue in this season of Eastertide, we are invited to reflect on the meaning of resurrection and new life. As I read the Bible, I see that the theme of life runs through scripture from beginning to end - from the creation of life in Genesis to the final renewal of life in Revelation. Of course, there is a lot in between, most significantly the promises of Jesus about everlasting life.

Today I am reflecting on what it means for us to live into the life of God right now, in the midst of our current life. Moses wrote these words to the people of Israel as part of his final address to them, just as they were about to enter the Promised Land and the life that he had prepared for them:

¹⁹"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, ²⁰loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob." - Deuteronomy 30:19-20

This passage tells us several important things. First, God wants us to have life. Second, life is always a choice; it is not imposed upon us, but we must choose it. And third, the experience of life comes from actively loving God, obeying Him, and holding fast (or trusting) Him.

The invitation to the experience of life with God is for us today just as much as it was for the ancient Israelites, and it is not a great mystery. The instructions are simple - love God, obey God, trust God - and yet they require our whole heart. And they are the most important tasks of our time on earth.

As you enter this new day, I invite you to choose life.

Blessings,

Pastor Chris