On Easter morning, I joined some of the extended Mediterranean team for a sunrise hike. Before dawn, we climbed the mountain in total silence, and as the sun rose, the man who took us shouted, “The Son is risen! The Son is risen! The Son is risen!” It was such a beautiful moment of looking out over this country and just proclaiming the power of our Father over it.
During breakfast afterward, the team spent time sharing what we have been processing and thinking about in this season. Something that struck me during our conversation was that Jesus refused to use his power for anything outside of God’s plan, even when the Enemy tempted him. He did not save himself on the cross, but rather submitted completely to the Father. What came next was the most incredible example of power—the conquering of death once and for all.
As we discussed this idea together, I was reminded of the passage I’d read during my morning quiet time. In 1 Kings 19, the Father did not appear as the things we might see as powerful (earthquake, fire, or great winds); rather, he arrived as a soft and gentle whisper.
I was just amazed at the comparison between this and the Easter story! We have a Father who can perform the most powerful, might acts ever known—but who also approaches us as a gentle whisper.
It was honestly a little hard to wrap my mind around at first, but as I sat and thought about it, I was filled with so much joy and appreciation. Both are examples of his immense love for us: he loves us enough to perform the greatest sacrifice, and he also loves us enough to approach us with mercy and gentleness. The knowledge that I have a Father who knew how desperately I would need both just leaves me in awe.
It also let me to think about how I view my love for other people. In many ways, I lean toward showing very gentle, quiet, or even “background” ways of loving people. The Son did not only show that form of love, though. He quite literally showed the biggest display of love imaginable.
This reality challenges me to love people in bigger, more radical ways. While people do need a soft, gentle love, they may sometimes need something more. A question I’d like to leave you with is this: when was the last time you loved somebody radically?
The REACH Mediterranean team serves RI’s long-term team as childcare providers. Much of their time is spent in language school, where they work to build friendships with classmates and teachers. They also serve through teaching English, hospitality, prayer walks, and supporting the long-term team and their families.