Jesus comes to his disciples post-resurrection and does two things: 1) He affirms his resurrection. 2) He offers a commission—a new work for his followers in this new world.

A North Star to follow in the new creation God is forming, and its this: proclaim that repentance and forgiveness is possible in God’s new world through King Jesus. Repentance—the idea that we can have a new life—and forgiveness—the idea that our old shame and guilt can be dispelled—are the new possibilities in God’s new world. And in this new world, the disciples are to go be witnesses to this possibility.

Our resurrected king gives us the grace and mercy of North Star—he gives us bearing in an uncharted world. First—we can be sure he is alive. His body walked this earth after his death. He is no ghost. He is no disembodied spirit. He is alive. And I want you to think about all the ways he’s showing his life and activity to you in your current season. Keep those in front of you. What habits are you embodying that cultivate thankfulness, faith, hope in a resurrected King? Second—he gives us beautiful work. One of the beautiful things happening in this COVID 19 world is this tiny virus is plowing hard-packed soil in the hearts of people around us. It’s unearthing fear and anxiety and longing for a better world for us. And if we are present through this season, if we stand within the stories of our friends in a loving and patient way, then we can participate in the true north work of witnessing. Of revealing to them in their fear and anxiety and longing a better story, a better king, a better world. We do it through love and speech and action. This is our bearing in an uncharted COVID 19 world. This should direct our decision-making and action in this new world. Of staying home or not. Of being present in person or through technology. Of working or not.