Portrait of Karl Marx

For Sunday, April 15, 2012
Second Sunday of Easter
Acts 4:32-35

The mood of our secular culture this second Sunday of Easter might well be captured by the title of this post: “Christ is risen … and?” What difference is this purported resurrection supposed to make?

It purports to make every difference in the world. The people in whom the good news of
Christ has taken hold enjoy a transforming sense of community. They are “of one heart and soul”, sharing everything in common. Rather than devoting their lives to obtaining more they now devote their lives to sharing more.

This is the community in which everyone wants to live. There is such abundance that no one is left needy. Even Karl Marx, a man ardently opposed to Christianity, recognized that this was where everyone wanted to live. He said, “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.” This dream has never been realized within a communist country. Having lived in Russia for a number of years I can tell you that the reality was this: “From each according to his ability, to each according to his connections.” The difference between the roads of communism and Christianity is that where communism compels through the muzzle of a gun, Christianity invites through the death of a Savior.

“But nobody actually does this today.” you might object. “What are you suggesting, that I go down to church, sign over the title to my house, and expect that all will be wonderful?” No, this isn’t what I’m suggesting, because you could do far less and begin to experience the blessings being described here. Rather than setting aside your real estate, why not start with a $20 bill. Take that over to your church and ask how you might best bless someone else with it. You’ll be on your way.

There are people today selling beautiful homes so that they can move into impoverished areas and begin to make a difference there. Yet the blessing they are experiencing doesn’t require this. It’s as close to your $20 bill as it is to the title of their home. Just know this: Christ is indeed risen, and it makes every difference in the world.