Vortex in the fabric of history

Armodoxy for Today: Vortex in the fabric of history

Following the Resurrection of Jesus, the disciples anticipated that the world – at least history – would come to an end as is evident by most of the New Testament writing. It was only after a few decades had passed and the eye witnesses to Jesus life, death and resurrection, were getting to be fewer and fewer in number. As that first generation was dying, the Church called for the story of Jesus’ life to be written. The witnesses to Jesus, the writers of the Gospels were not necessarily thinking of compiling only historical facts to create a biography. But for them, Jesus was not a historical figure but someone who was beyond history. That is, he conquered death and so, without a doubt, he was living.

As we read about the period following the Resurrection, primarily in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles and in the letters and epistles that follow it in the Bible, we witness a group of people trying to discover meaning and definition in relationship to their living Savior.

The challenge for us today, especially in reading Scripture, is not to see it as a history textbook, but a living epistle that talks to us and breathes on us. The Resurrection of Jesus was a life changing event for anyone who witnessed it or heard of it. In reading the Book of Acts, see the wonder and excitement in the expressions of a community that has discovered a vortex in the living fabric of history, a vortex that transports them beyond themselves, to a higher plane. In Jesus’ words, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13)

Lord, teach me to seek as the merchant sought, to recognize the pearl when it gleams in the dust, and to trade every comfort for the joy of knowing You. May my soul rejoice in the exchange — losing the world to gain eternity, emptying my hands to hold Your grace. Amen.