Acting up in Jesus' Name

This week I was at the hospital reading to a dying parishioner the book ?The Best of Will Willimon: Acting Up in Jesus? Name.? I just purchased the book, so I began reading aloud Chapter 1. Right out of the gate, the first segment of the book hit me like a ton of bricks. Dr. Willimon (United Methodist Bishop, Pastor, Professor, and Duke University Chaplain) writes about Jesus hanging on the cross and talking to the thief hanging next to him. If you remember, the criminal turns to Jesus and asks him by name, ?Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.? Jesus answered him, ?I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.? Luke 23:42-43. The words of comfort Jesus speaks to the criminal are familiar ones to us. When Jesus speaks of being in paradise with him today, the assumption is that death will occur sometime today and paradise is heaven. Now this is where Dr. Willimon blew me away ? he says paradise is not so much a place but rather a relationship! The criminal enters paradise NOW, TODAY because he has embraced the relationship Jesus offers to everyone. This criminal had to do NOTHING but say, ?Jesus, remember me.? This criminal dying on the cross, an extreme punishment for a Roman crime, did not have to prove himself in any way, shape, or form to be embraced by a relationship with Jesus. Jesus embraced him just as he was a criminal. Paradise freely GIVEN, TODAY, period.

If a relationship with Jesus is what Jesus meant by paradise, then paradise doesn?t exclusively mean freedom from all of our human brokenness as we walk on pavement of gold with harps in our hands. Paradise does mean that we are free from ever being alone, unloved, unworthy, or undervalued. For Jesus is with us always even in the depths of our sorrows and fears, cradling us ever so close to his heart, loving us deeply, and calling us worthy and valued now, today, tomorrow, and through eternity. That is true paradise!

When I finished reading that section I closed the book and held my parishioner?s hand. The room fan blowing and their breathing were the only sounds breaking the silence. It?s hard to say goodbye to a loved one. Yet, when you know that Jesus is holding their other hand they are already in paradise.

Join Immanuel Lutheran Church (1226 E. Washington, Washington) for worship and discover that Jesus is offering you paradise TODAY! Here at Immanuel all people are welcome and accepted. We gather together for weekly Holy Communion worship on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. and Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. Join us at the feast of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Day Camp Vacation Bible School, ?The Jesus Way,? June 27 ? July 1, registration is open for youth in Kindergarten to fifth grades. Call Immanuel for details 653-3950.