Last month, Christians gathered together in unusually large numbers on account of a singular event that transpired outside the walls of Jerusalem some 2,000 yrs ago. We are among those who continue to gather, drawn by the story of a resurrection— the coming back to life of a person once dead.

Scattered throughout the pages of Scripture, there can be found any number of verses notable for their capacity to convey whole concepts in few words. John 11:35 is one that comes to mind. There, through the simple words “Jesus wept,” a whole scene is conveyed. In John 19:18 also, four short words encompass the most portentous events in all human history: “There they crucified him.” Finally, there are the words of Paul set in the latter half of his epistle to the Ephesians. In the earlier half, his words about God, salvation and grace soar to great heights.

If I were to go down from the pulpit this morning to spend some moments wandering up and down the aisles in the midst of this great congregation…

If I were to go with the intent of gathering up from you the things that are deeply troubling, the seemingly unanswerable questions, all the challenging interrogatives you live with and the things that have kept you awake at night pondering, I wonder what kind of a collection I would make?