Well, Passover— is over, Good Friday— is over, Waiting Saturday— is over, Risen Sunday— is over, Easter Monday— is over...so now what?
Do we go back to our lives & live them as we did weeks before Easter?
The simple answer is, yes we can. Back to work, school, choir, music, fishing, playing, working out, golfing, eating right... But, as my friend Rusty says in Oceans 11, "it's slightly more complicated than that."
See after Jesus walked out of the tomb He told both Mary's this line, “Do not be afraid. Go & tell My brethren to go to Galilee & there they will see Me.” Matthew 28:10. The same words are also in Mark 14:28 & Mark 16:7...go to Galilee.
Soooooooo, what is Galilee & why do I need to go there?
Galilee is Galilee - It is a place.
It is where Jesus is from, Mark 1:9. Jesus went there once John was imprisoned, Matthew 4:12. Both Simon & Andrew were called from Galilee, Matthew 4:18. It is where Jesus turned water into wine, John 4:46. It is called the beginning of miracles or beginning of signs, John 2:11. It is the place Jesus said to Peter, try the other side, John 21:6.
If you don't know any of those Bible stories, I implore you to check 'em out. But, if you thought to yourself, I am only going to check out 1 story, I'd go check this one out.
“But, the time is coming when He'll make that whole area glorious—the road along the Sea, the country past the Jordan, international Galilee. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in the shadow of death— light! sunbursts of light!
You repopulated the nation, you expanded its joy. Oh, they’re so glad in Your presence! Festival joy! The joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts & warm greetings. The abuse of oppressors & cruelty of tyrants— all their whips & clubs & curses— Is gone, done away with, a deliverance as surprising & sudden as Gideon’s old victory over Midian.
For every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle & garments rolled in blood, Will be used for burning & fuel of fire. Isaiah 9:5 NKJV
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 NKJV
His ruling authority will grow & there’ll be no limits to the wholeness He brings. He’ll rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom. He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing & keep it going with fair dealing & right living, beginning now & lasting always. The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this.” Isaiah 9:1-7 MSG
International Galilee. Do you see it at the beginning?
What is Galilee? It's the place of beginnings. It is the place of new beginnings. It is the place where to meet Jesus for the first time, it is the place to remeet Jesus. It is the place to work & play & learn & be at peace. It is the place Isaiah said Wonderful, Counselor would come from & it is the place of acceptance.
Why is it slightly more complicated? Because, buildings are put in places. And this building being created is extremely complex—amazingly sturdy—filled with the most beautiful architecture the world has ever seen—absolutely fabulous—glorious beyond belief.
Google pictures do it no justice, the only way to see it, is to go to there.
Why? Because Jesus asked you to. Because it gets you out of the hustle & craziness of life & let's your rest in peace. Because it's the place where you find out who you truly are. Because it's the place where you can find, refind, find again & refind the found find you thought you found. Because it's the place where nothing & everything all at once makes sense.
Listen. Its a new year. It's a new spring. It's a new day. The sun is up, it has risen. Lets go to Galilee. Let's find this absolutely fabulous building. I know the plans say, issued for construction, but it is not complete yet. I bet if you go on this journey & see the building, you will be able to talk to the Chief Architect & add some of your loves/characteristics/designs in it. I know that in my heart.
Lets go. #goingtogalilee