Yosemite 2009<\/p>\n\n\n\n
John 20:19-23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Breathed on Them<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As a church group, we always come to Yosemite the weekend after income taxes are due. But this year, we are here after Easter Sunday too. While we call Easter Sunday a High Sunday, today may be called a Low Sunday. Whether we are back in San Francisco in the sanctuary or out here in God\u2019s natural sanctuary, today is the continuation of Easter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this passage, we see the disciples were afraid so they locked themselves behind the doors of this house. When one is locked inside, there\u2019s no fresh air to breathe; no sunlight to cheer one up; no freedom to move out. But even when they were behind locked doors, the Risen Jesus came in and stood among them. And probably anticipating the disciples\u2019 fear escalating on how in the world did Jesus get in when the doors were locked, Jesus said, \u201cPeace be with you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n After Jesus showed them his hands and his side and they believed that it was really him, they rejoiced. They were no longer afraid. Preparing the disciples to go on a mission, Jesus breathed on them. I know sometimes we tell a person not to get too close to you and you say, \u201cStop breathing on me!\u201d This is different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When Jesus breathed on them, it was more like God \u201cforming man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being\u201d (Genesis). It\u2019s more like Ezekiel in the Valley of the Dry Bones when God said, \u201cI will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.\u201d God took inanimate, dead, afraid and all locked up people and through the act of breathing brought forth life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When Jesus breathed on the disciples, he said, \u201cReceive the Holy Spirit.\u201d Now go out and do my work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here in Yosemite, we can see our breath when it\u2019s cold. We can breathe in fresh air that our lungs may not be used to. But maybe, it is here in God\u2019s natural sanctuary is where we can \u201cReceive the Holy Spirit\u201d and know that God has breathed on us. Perhaps we can begin to become more like Easter People when we greet one another, \u201cPeace be with you!\u201d as Jesus first did with his disciples. When we hear that from each other, we are surely reminded that Christ has risen; he is risen indeed!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Yosemite 2009 John 20:19-23 Breathed on Them As a church group, we always come to Yosemite the weekend after income taxes are due. But this year, we are here after